THE HOLY DORMITION POCHAYIV MONASTERY: HOLY, ORTHODOX, UKRAINIAN (AN ATTEMPT AT HISTORIOSOPHICAL REFLECTION)

Abstract

In the article, the author analyses the main historical periods of the foundation, growth and development of the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra. In the given context, the following historical landmarks of the monastery’s life are the most important and interesting for scientific analysis: the period of the monastery’s foundation, its existence in the Kyivan Rus Orthodox tradition, the Uniate and Synodal periods. Undoubtedly, the theological, liturgical, scientific, and publishing tradition of the monastery is also of great scientific interest to researchers, as it represents a number of interesting and quite relevant aspects of the sociocultural and often interfaith discourse of the time. The history of the Pochayiv Monastery, in view of its role and influence in western Ukraine, is a certain reflection and reinterpretation in the religious environment of the contradictory  and complicated events and processes that took place in these territories at different times Since a monastic monastery is usually a rather conservative centre of an established church-religious worldview, which appears as a kind of «ideological antipode» to a certain «innovative-reactionary» social model of development, it is quite possible to analyse in depth (and, therefore, to focus on) this ideological aspect of the Lavra’s activities. However, throughout its centuries-long history, the Pochayiv Monastery has usually managed to quite effectively combine these two basic ideological differences, which are still considerable challenges for religious consciousness (in the process of implementing its church activities): conservatism and liberalism. Always remaining faithful to the ideals of the monastic tradition, the monks have always occupied an active position in educational work, charity, publishing, etc. Each of these areas of activity deserves a thorough and comprehensive study in different aspects and dimensions, as only such an approach enables us to recreate not only the monastery’s activities, but also to reflect the historical and cultural background and social reality that inspired such versatile activities. Therefore, the form of presentation announced by the author in the present research – historiosophical reflection – is the most acceptable, since it provides a broader and more comprehensive overview and emphasis of the important historical and theological issues that require further scientific research.