Najstarsza organizacja parafialna na Żuławach Wielkich (do połowy XV w.)
The oldest parish system in Żuławy Wielkie (until the mid-15th century)

Summary/Abstract: Żuławy Wielkie (the alluvial delta area of the Vistula River) in Middle Ages was not only most advanced in agriculture, self-government as well as the level of prosperity of its inhabitants, but it was also the territory with strong parish system. An average parish consisted of two villages. Only two exceptions are noticed, in Nowy Staw and Lichnowy, the latter being probably the oldest, established in the 13th Century and consisted of 6 – 7 villages. It is visible that inhabitants preferred the erection of single-village parishes or at least filial chapels. The right of patronage of all churches belonged to the Teutonic Order. The patron provided the parish with a benefice (usually 4 lans – 120 morgs of land). Moreover, the inhabitants had to pay a special contribution in corn (called meszne), while their representatives (vitrici) interfered with parish finances. Parochial schools were established, supported by the inhabitants and designed both to provide most talented children with basic education and to secure liturgical servants for the church. Some parish priests from the area of Żuławy Wielkie, particularly persons with university education, served at the courts of Pogesanian bishops and the Teutonic Order.

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