Scientific Publication on the History of Pochaiv Presented at the Vernadsky National Library
On October 3, 2024, the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine in Kyiv hosted a presentation of the proceedings from the International Scientific Conference “Pochaiv Phenomenon: The Basilian Monastery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the History and Culture of Ukraine.”
The event was attended by Bishop Andriy Khimyak, Auxiliary Bishop of the Kyiv Archeparchy; Father Joseph Kralka, Protohegumen of the Province of the Most Holy Savior of the Basilian Order of St. Josaphat in Ukraine; as well as Basilian Fathers and Kyiv scholars who co-authored the publication.
Bishop Andriy opened the presentation with a prayer and blessing. In his address, he emphasized the significance of Pochaiv as a spiritual center for Ukraine in the face of modern challenges. “In the struggle between good and evil, which we are currently experiencing, we need this spiritual center more than ever to build Ukraine on these foundations,” the bishop said.
The collection, compiled as a result of a conference held in Zarvanytsia on September 29–30, 2023, is dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the coronation of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God. The conference was organized by the Province of the Most Holy Savior, the UGCC Archdiocese of Ternopil and Zboriv, and the UCU Institute of Church History.
The presentation was moderated by Volodymyr Moroz, scientific editor and compiler of the publication, and PhD in History. He elaborated on the structure of the book, emphasizing its scientific contributions. “Our Lady of Pochaiv unites all the heirs of the Kyivan tradition,” he said.
The co-authors of the publication presented their research on various aspects of the history of the Pochaiv Lavra.
Fr. Joseph Kralka expressed his gratitude to the conference organizers, as well as the authors and compilers of the publication, for their efforts. He encouraged further exploration of this important heritage. “We are open to this legacy being further studied in detail,” said the protohegumen of the Province of the Most Holy Savior of the Basilian Order of St. Josaphat in Ukraine.
The UGCC Department for Information
