The Athonite heritage for foundation and development of Ukrainian Monasters

Abstract

Ukraine and Greece, despite of the lack of borders and close neighborhood, have long and
close connections: from the establishment of the ancient colonies of Hellenes in the Black Sea
region to the modern economic, socio-cultural, tourist, humanitarian relations of both countries.
The article touches upon the issue of the Athonite influence on the formation and development of
Ukrainian monasteries during the millennial period – from the IXth century to this day. Athos
and his heritage played an extremely important role in the development of domestic spirituality
and culture in the era of Kyiv Rus, during the rise of the national liberation struggle of the
Ukrainian people in the XVIIth century and the existence of the Hetmanate. These connections
have affected the originality and uniqueness of national religious and cultural traditions in
Ukraine. Ukrainian Orthodoxy was replenished with spiritual achievements through liturgical
and theological books, ideas of old piligrims and hesychasm, who penetrated the Athos monks.
Athonite monastic life was a model for the establishment of Ukrainian monasteries: KyivPechersk, Svyatogirsky, Pochaiv, and a significant number of Cossack monasteries. Some of
them became the centers of spirituality, literacy and culture not only in Ukraine but also have
international importance. A significant role for the further development of Ukrainian Orthodoxy
was connected with the Athos of the Ukrainian Cossacks, which made generous donations to the
monastery of Athos, carried out pilgrimage to Athos. Athos became the center of the formation of
prominent spiritual figures in Ukraine. Spiritual and cultural ties with Holy Mount Athos
contributed to the revitalization of the outstanding Ukrainian athonytes: Paisii Velychkovsky,
Ivan Vyshensky, Iov Knyahynytsky, Athanasius Mezhygirsky and many others. An important role
in the development of the Athos-Ukraine relations was played by active donations from the Kyiv
princes, Ukrainian hetmans and Cossack leaders.