Johannes Maletius (Jan z Sącza) / Jan Malecki

In a letter dated 24th of December 1537 to Bishop Paul Speratus, Duke Albrecht of Prussia expressed his dissatisfaction with the new archpriest of Lyck in the Duchy of Prussia near the border of the kingdom of Poland, in the following terms. "He has failed to obtain complete security in the new church doctrine". The bishop was only too aware of this fact. Nevertheless in reality the person referred to, Johannes Maletius (Jan z Sącza), had completely different important qualities. Maletius spoke German, Polish, Latin, Czech and Ruthenian. Bishop Paul Speratus of Pomesanien was, amongst others, responsible for the southern part of Prussia, but like many of the leaders of the Prussian Church he spoke no Polish. Without Maletius he would have been unable to perform his duties. Thus Maletius became an important promoter of the Reformation for Polish-speaking citizens in Prussia.

Adam Gusowski, December 2013