Church of the Holy Trinity – Odranci

The Church of the Holy Trinity is located in Odranci, the largest village in the Pomurje region, and in the municipality of the same name, serving as the parish church of the parish of the same name. The residents had long desired to have a church in their own village, their own priest, and their own parish. History In 1862, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity was built in Odranci, featuring a simple altar with statues of Mary with Jesus and St. Joseph. The chapel stood until 1965, when the church committee transferred the land on which the chapel stood to the municipality. On October 1, 1944, an independent parish was established. Upon the establishment of the independent parish, it was decided that the church would be built on the site where the chapel had stood, as the parish had no other land. However, it turned out that this site was not suitable because it was too narrow. Later, land was acquired through donations and exchanges. From among the draft plans prepared by architect Janez Valentinčič, the church committee chose an octagonal church; unfortunately, however, the construction plan was not easy to carry out. In April 1946, the application for a building permit was even rejected, even though the faithful had already made a large number of bricks and brought in gravel and sand. The materials the parishioners had prepared for the church’s construction were used in 1948 to build a community center. Over time, the parishioners came to terms with the fact that a brick church could not be built in the near future, so they erected a wooden one. The church was used for 17 years. During this time, efforts to build a proper, brick church began. They received permission for it on September 9, 1964; it was consecrated on July 5, 1967; and on April 17, 1977, it was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. After the church was completed, funds were raised for the frescoes, which were created over an area of 200 square meters by the academic painter and priest Stane Kregar and, given their size, represent his life’s work. In 1983, the church tower was raised, and three bells were installed in it. In 1987, a religious education classroom and an apartment were added to the parish house, which is also a newer structure. Much of the credit for all this goes to the parish priest and long-time dean Lojze Kozar, who is also known for his literary works. Architecture The octagonal church, built in 1947, is covered by a low dome. The interior is decorated with paintings by Kregar. The church was designed by architect Valentinčič. Cover photo: Danica Garmuš