DISTRICT LETTER OF THE PROTO-HEGUMEN JOSEPH MORGULETS (15.11.1778)

Abstract

Summary. The purpose of this study is to review the major innovations introduced by the Apostolic Sedes and consultations on the monasteries of the Saint Protection province in the rule of the proto-hegumen Joseph Morgulets. Research methodology is based on the use of analytical and synthetic critique of the sources. To establish the objectivity of information, in the absence of the original letter, its information in comparison with other handwritten copies and old printed copies, which we found. The scientific novelty is seen in the introduction for the first time to the widespread circulation of official correspondence of the proto-hegumen Joseph Morgulets with the superiors of the monasteries of Protection Province. Conclusions. On the basis of the selected structural parts of the text of the district letter, three levels of management of the monasteries are defined: the Apostolic Sedes – the Proto-Archimandrite – the Proto-Hegumen. Each of these links is represented by specific decisions on the regulation of the ascetic way of the life Basilian monkhood. The Basilian Order, in possession of the papal law, was directly subordinated to the Roman Pontiffs, who edited and approved the Constitution of the General Chapters. It is noticeable that the Pope tried to equate the rights of archimandrites with bishops. The powers of the Proto-Archimandrite and Proto-Hegumen expanded considerably. A significant step forward was that the priest-monks received pastoral authority in the parishes. The decisions of the Provincial Consultations, as the advisory body of the Proto-Hegumen, allowed for effective response to the challenges of the times. Considerable attention has been paid to the preservation of the commemorative tradition and the development of the missionary and preaching work of the monks.