Bouncy castle church brings inflatable sermons to remote congregation

Roving priest father Krzysztof Kowal, who couldn't tie down a solid place of worship in Russia, has finally begun conducting sermons - using an inflatable church.

Father Krzysztof, a Roman Catholic missionary from Poland, has had trouble gaining permission - and cash - to build a permanent place of worship in the Kamchatka peninsula - a 1,250-kilometre stretch located in far eastern Russia.

But long-time friend Robert Wojcik, who builds inflatable toys for children in Kolobrzeg, Poland, stepped in to help by offering to build a temporary church for the isolated congregation.

Money-raising efforts helped to pay for the alternative structure, which will remain open even in extreme conditions. During winter time, temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees in the Kamchatka region.

Father Krzystof - who is a rector of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face parish - said he was thrilled with the design but did admit some might mistake it for a bouncy castle.

Prior to obtaining the church, most sermons were conducted in rented hotel rooms or outside areas close to lakes and rivers.


/Metro/