All-Ukrainian Conference Dedicated to Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Held in Zarvanytsia
On May 26–27, the Marian Spiritual Center in Zarvanytsia hosted an All-Ukrainian scientific and practical conference titled “Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky and His Era: Values and State-Building Spiritual Guidelines.” The event brought together leading Ukrainian scholars, clergy, and representatives from the artistic, educational, medical, and archival communities to honor the legacy of one of the most prominent figures of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky (1865–1944).
This was reported by the press service of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy.
The conference was organized by the Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy, the Marian Spiritual Center “Zarvanytsia,” the Higher Spiritual Seminary named after Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, the Ternopil National Pedagogical University named after Volodymyr Hnatiuk, and the Ternopil Regional Branch of the Shevchenko Scientific Society.
The event was chaired by Bishop Volodymyr Firman, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy and Rector of the Zarvanytsia International Center. With the blessing of Metropolitan Teodor Martynyuk, the conference opened with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia.
Over the course of two days, more than 40 speakers presented scholarly reflections on the life, theological thinking, social teachings, and cultural and state-building activities of Andrey Sheptytsky. Among the speakers were renowned scholars from Kyiv, Lviv, Ternopil, Uzhhorod, Chernivtsi, Lublin (Poland), and Rome.
Notable presentations included those by Fr. Ivan Hovera, Prof. Zinoviy Svereda, Prof. Hanna Ivashkiv, Prof. Ihor Nabytoch, Fr. Justyn Boiko, Prof. Nadiia Volik, Prof. Mykola Lazarovych, and philological studies by Professors Mariana and Zoriana Lanovyk.
In addition, two new books were presented:
- On the Rock of Faith: Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky (edited by Mykhailo Perun);
- a monograph by Lyubomyr Krupa on the metropolitan’s impact on public life in Galicia;
- and Prince of the Ukrainian Church, a synthesis of biography and documentary evidence.
Of particular interest were an exhibition of works by young artist Sviatoslav Krupa titled “The Price of Freedom” and a screening of the documentary film “Andrey Sheptytsky: Still Timely.”
The second day concluded with a roundtable discussion in which clergy, scholars, artists, and educators explored the relevance of Andrey Sheptytsky’s spiritual and state-building ideas in today’s context. Topics included the Church’s moral authority in society, youth education, the role of Christian values in public life, and the cultural identity of Ukrainians.
The final session of the conference highlighted a strong interest in and practical need for continued research into the legacy of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. Participants emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration among spiritual education, academia, and culture, and resolved to initiate regular interdisciplinary events dedicated to the spiritual leaders of the Ukrainian people.
