Who saved Ukrainian Orthodoxy: the little-known story of 1620.

At the beginning of the 17th century, Ukrainian Orthodoxy was on the brink of extinction. Following the Union of Brest in 1596, nearly all bishops transitioned to the Greek Catholic Church, leaving Orthodox believers without spiritual guidance. However, thanks to the bold plan of Cossack leader Petro Sahaidachny and the support of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Orthodox Church in Ukraine was revitalized.

By 1620, the situation in Ukrainian Orthodoxy had become dire – only one bishop remained. According to church canons, the consecration of a new bishop requires at least two active hierarchs. Without this, the church was destined to gradually fade away.

An Unexpected Opportunity

The fateful moment arrived when Patriarch Theophanes III of Jerusalem was returning from Moscow, where he had just consecrated a new Patriarch of Moscow. Petro Sahaidachny, a graduate of the Ostroh Academy and an experienced politician, recognized this as a historic opportunity.

Skilled Diplomacy

The Cossacks "invited" the patriarch to Kyiv, ensuring the safety of his journey. For five months, complex negotiations took place, during which Sahaidachny persuaded Theophanes III to restore the Orthodox hierarchy in Ukraine.

Eventually, a secret ceremony took place in the Epiphany Church of Kyiv behind covered windows. The patriarch consecrated the new Kyiv Metropolitan Iov Boretsky and several bishops for various Ukrainian dioceses.

The Polish authorities initially did not recognize the new Orthodox hierarchs. Some were even declared Ottoman spies and attempts were made to arrest them. The situation stabilized only 12 years later.

Historical Significance

The restoration of the Orthodox hierarchy in 1620 marked a turning point in the history of the Ukrainian church. This event showcased the ability of Ukrainians to defend their religious rights and national identity even under the most challenging conditions.

It is important to highlight the role of the secular elites of that time — brotherhoods, Cossacks, and enlightened laypeople who rallied around the Orthodox Church. Their support was crucial in preserving Orthodoxy as a vital element of Ukrainian national identity in the early 17th century.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on how Metropolitan Petro Mohyla reformed the Ukrainian Church. The founder of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy believed in the necessity of integrating Orthodox Christians into the achievements of European culture.