Rozwój struktur organizacyjnych Kościoła w księstwie opolskim w XIV wieku

Abstract

The primary framework of the organization of archpresbyterates in the Duchy of Opole was formed at the cusp of the 13th and 14th centuries and was based on the organization whose roots could be traced back to the first half of the 13th century (the structure of archdeaconry). It was favoured by the general conditions of developing the initial parish network, which included primarily churches that later on became centres of archpresbyterates, and of the newly-forming rural communes. The basis of this development was created by the local actions, settlement transformations as well as the increase of the prestige of the Church and the strengthening of its role in the life of an individual. The fast expansion of the parish network can be dated back to the cusp of the 13th and 14th centuries. Territorial divisions and separation of new duchies was probably sped up by these processes. However, rather incomplete sources, dispersion of the records and their infrequency create an image that is difficult to be unambiguously verified. Nevertheless, most of the records suggest that the 14th century should be recognized as the time when parish relationships were established. They shifted from quick development on the cusp of the 13th and 14th centuries to stabilization that underwent only minor transformations at the end of the century.