It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Father Dominik Orczykowski OFMCap, who for decades was regarded as the chaplain of Polish aviators. He earned this title through his commitment to aviation, and in particular to gliding. It began with his first passenger flight, which he made in Krosno in 1961. From that day on, he devoted his energies to the pastoral care of the aviation community. Thanks to his contacts with pilots, he spent dozens of hours in the air. Unfortunately, due to a visual impairment, he could never become a pilot himself, but as an assistant and chaplain he participated in numerous gliding competitions in Poland and abroad. He was a member of many aero clubs and a Friend of the Polish Aviation Museum.
Dominik Orczykowski was born on 29 June 1927 in Drohobych, in the Lwów Voivodeship. In 1945 he entered the novitiate of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Sędziszów Małopolski. After completing his education at the Missionaries’ Liceum in Kraków, he passed his final exams and undertook philosophical and theological studies at the Capuchin seminary. In 1954 he received priestly ordination from Bishop Franciszek Jop and began his long pastoral ministry.
From childhood he was associated with scouting, and from 1957 as a friar he organised numerous scout camps and pilgrimages, as well as providing pastoral care for scouts. He participated in general congresses of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association of the Republic (ZHR), and also took part in the adoption of its Statute. For his commitment to the development of scouting in Poland he received numerous decorations — including the Wilderness Recognition Badge, the ZHR Honour Cross “Semper Fidelis”, and the Andrzej Małkowski Gold Medal of Scouting Gratitude.
From 1979 onwards, he organised annual Masses for aviators on 10 December at the Loreto House adjacent to the Capuchin Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kraków. He was held in great esteem in the aviation community, as evidenced by the numerous awards and titles bestowed upon him: Distinguished Aviation Sport Activist, Blue Wings, Medal of the 50th Anniversary of the Main Centre for Aviation Medical Research of the Polish Aero Club, Daedalus Honorary Distinction of the Polish Aero Club.
For his activities he was awarded: the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity, the Gold Cross of Merit, and the Medal “Thank You for Freedom”.
Above all, however, he was an extraordinary man, and his extraordinary nature was manifested every day in small gestures, full of humility, faith and kindness.
Father Dominik — your passing is an irreparable loss for the entire aviation community. We will carry you in our hearts and memories forever.
