Baptism as a means of saving Jews in Slovakia between 1938 and 1944

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Autor/ Author: Peter Borza  

In: Notitiæ historiæ ecclesiasticæ

ISSN: 1338-9572 (Print)

ISSN: 2730-0153 (Online)

Ročník/ Volume: 14

Číslo/ Issue: 2

Strany/ Page Range: 78-91

Rok vydania/ Publication Year: 2025

Jazyk/ Language: Slovak

Vydavateľ/ Publisher: VERBUM – vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku

Abstrakt/ Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of baptism as a strategic tool for rescuing Jews in Slovakia during the years 1938–1944, with a particular focus on the role of the Greek Catholic Church. Drawing on extensive archival research, including church records, state documents, and personal testimonies, the paper analyzes the legal, religious, and social dimensions of conversions during the Holocaust. It reveals that although baptism did not guarantee legal immunity under Slovak law, it often served as a practical means to delay deportation or obtain presidential exemptions. The research highlights the moral courage of clergy, especially Bishop Pavol Gojdič, whose leadership inspired many priests to act in defiance of both ecclesiastical norms and state policies. The motivations behind these acts of rescue ranged from personal relationships and humanitarian compassion to deep Christian convictions. The study also examines the reactions of various Christian denominations, noting a spectrum from conservative adherence to doctrine to liberal, life-saving flexibility.
In a broader European context, this research contributes to the understanding of how religious institutions responded to genocidal regimes. It underscores the potential of faith communities to act as agents of moral resistance and humanitarian aid. The ecumenical cooperation observed among different churches in Slovakia serves as a model for interfaith solidarity in times of crisis. The findings call for renewed reflection on the ethical responsibilities of religious leaders and institutions in defending human dignity, especially amid rising intolerance and extremism across Europe. This historical case study offers a compelling reminder that individual acts of conscience—often rooted in faith—can have life-saving consequences. It also affirms the enduring relevance of Christian teachings on love and justice in confronting systemic evil.

Kľúčové slová/ Keywords: Baptism, Holocaust, Jews, Greek Catholic Church, Slovakia, interfaith solidarity.

Citácia/ How to cite:

BORZA, Peter, 2025. Krst ako nástroj záchrany Židov na Slovensku v rokoch 1938 – 1944. Notitiæ historiæ ecclesiasticæ. Online. Roč. 14, č. 2, s. 78-91. ISSN 1338-9572 (Print). ISSN 2730-0153 (Online). Dostupné na:

Toto dielo je publikované pod/ This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.