THE IDEA OF THE UKRAINIAN GREEK-CATHOLIC PATRIARCHY CHURCHES IN HISTORIOGRAPHY

Abstract

The issue of patriarchy within the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church holds immense theological, political, and nation-unifying significance. This work aims to characterize notable publications on the history of the patriarchal movement within the UGCC. An analysis of historiographical studies on the concept of pat- riarchy in the 20th century has been conducted, with a focus on the activities of Greek-Catholic Metropolitans Andrey Sheptytsky and Yosif Slipy in advancing and proclaiming the patriarchate.

The speech by Metropolitan J. Slipy at the Second Vatican Council, advocating for the patriarchate to be granted to the Ukrainian Church, has been explored. Furthermore, an examination of numerous publications supporting the patriarchy among Ukrainians in the diaspora highlights the role of the ”Patriarchat” magazine, which systematically published articles about Metropolitan Y. Slipy’s efforts in establishing church life among Ukrainians abroad and actively promoting the patriarchate. The struggle for the patriarchate is noted to have contributed to the consolidation and unification of Ukrainians in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

The study also analyzes contemporary scientific research that addresses the issue ofgranting patriar- chal status to the UGCC. It acknowledges that amidst the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, where Ukrainian society has distanced itself from the Russian language, culture,and church, there is a need for societal and governmental support in urging the Vatican to recognize the legal status of the patriarchate for the UGCC, which de facto already exists. Such recognition would foster new avenues

Keywords: Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (hereinafter: UGCC), Patriarchate of UGCC; Ukrainian diaspora; historiography of the patriarchal movement, Y. Slipiy, A. Sheptytskyi, II Vatican Council; patriarchal movement.

for scientific investigation.