A 14th-Century Monument of Żuławy, St. Nicholas Church and Ukrainian Cultural Tradition

The St. Nicholas Church in Żelichowo, originally a 14th-century Catholic church, stands as one of the most significant historical sites of the Żuławy region and today serves as a Greek Catholic temple for the Ukrainian community relocated here in the 1947 Operation “Vistula.” Located in the picturesque village of Żelichowo, within the Nowy Dwór Gdański commune, the church boasts a rich history dating back to the medieval period. Originally a Catholic church, it underwent numerous renovations and reconstructions over the centuries. In 1352, the village received Chełmno rights, and the church was built around the mid-14th century. In the 17th century, parts of the church's structure were damaged by flooding, leading to the reconstruction of the nave in a half-timbered style and raising the floor level. The tower, whose base was reinforced and clad in 1687, was repaired multiple times, last being renovated in 1912 before its strategic dismantling in 1945. After the war, the church served as a place of worship for both Catholic and Greek Catholic believers, and since 2002, it has officially been under Greek Catholic ownership. Together with the St. Nicholas Academy Association, founded in 2016, the church serves not only a religious but also a cultural role. Through the efforts of local residents and parishioners, the church remains vibrant, preserving the history and heritage of the displaced Ukrainian community while fostering integration within the Żuławy region.