On April 10, 2010, there was a national and human tragedy in Poland. President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, Maria, and members of the President’s delegation were killed in a plane crash near an airport (Smolensk) in western Russia. They were traveling to a memorial service being held for 20,000 Polish officers and others who were killed by the Soviets in Katyn at the beginning of World War II.

Those who died in the plane crash included Poland’s last president-in-exile, deputy foreign minister, the top six military leaders, presidential candidate, head of the National Bank of Poland, director of the National Remembrance Institute, clergy, presidential staff, members of Parliament, and relatives of those who were executed 70 years ago in Katyn. Also, killed were the flight crew, flight attendants, and security forces. There were no survivors among the 96 men and women on the plane.

Some people have asked about the future of Poland’s government. In Poland, the president is the head of state, but is not the head of government. The day-to-day management of the government is in the hands of the prime minister and his cabinet ministers. The speaker of the lower house of Parliament will function as the interim president until an election is called within 60 days.

This is a sad time for Poland and the Polish people. We are grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement and comfort.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: he is my God, and I trust him.”  Psalm 91:1-2

Faculty, staff and students of Evangelical School of Theology
Wroclaw, Poland