Saint-Maurice
rue Jeanne d'Arc
88630 Greux
Church | 1734 | Classical | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
24 April - 28 September
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 10.00 - 18.00
Sun 10.00 - 18.00
Religious offices
Description
Greux is a true Joan of Arc commune, closely linked to the history of Joan of Arc. During her trial, she declared that she was from ‘Domrémy de Greux’ and specified that the main church was in Greux. Nearby, on the heights of the village, stands the Notre-Dame de Bermont chapel, where Joan frequently went to pray.
In recognition of her actions, King Charles VII granted the towns of Domrémy and Greux tax exemption. Greux retained this privilege until 1766, while Domrémy lost it in 1571 when it became part of the Holy Roman Empire.
No traces remain today of the church frequented by Joan of Arc. The current Saint-Maurice Church dates from the 18th century, the previous one having been destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. The new building was rebuilt in a more accessible location, on the main road through the village; statues now mark the site of the old church.
The interior, in classic style, charms visitors with its authenticity. The close ties between Domrémy and Greux have helped preserve Saint-Maurice Church, whose 18th-century furnishings and décor are remarkably well preserved, offering visitors a rare and intact glimpse into this era.
Photos
Remarkable elements
Stained glass windows depicting Saint Joan of Arc
Two stained glass windows in the side aisles recount the story of Joan of Arc. On the south side, Joan is depicted praying before the Virgin and Child in the Chapel of Our Lady of Bermont, a place of worship dear to the saint. On the north side, she appears surrounded by her ‘voices’ — Saint Catherine, Saint Margaret and the Archangel Saint Michael — who present her with a sword, with Domrémy and its church in the background.
Portal
De kerk, met een basilicale plattegrond, onderscheidt zich door een klassiek, sober versierd portaal. Twee composietzuilen ondersteunen een bloemenfries omlijst door de monogrammen IHS (“Jezus Redder van de Mensheid”) en AM met kroon (“Ave Maria”). Het geheel wordt bekroond door een standbeeld van Sint-Mauritius, Romeins soldaat en patroonheilige van de kerk, dat herinnert aan het militaire verleden en de troepenbewegingen in de regio.
Baptismal font
The only elements that Joan of Arc probably knew in the church of Greux are the 14th-century carved stone baptismal font. Octagonal in shape, it is decorated with arches and floral motifs.
Holy water font
The holy water font rests on an ancient column, the origin of which is unknown. It may have come from the previous church in Greux, as the reuse of materials was common practice during reconstruction.
Jean Jacob
Jean Jacob, parish priest of Domrémy and Greux, supervised the reconstruction of the church in the 18th century. His memory is preserved by two elements classified as historic monuments: a tombstone from 1738, placed in front of the choir, decorated with a chalice symbolising his priesthood, and a richly decorated funeral plaque affixed to the north wall of the church.
