METROPOLITAN A. SHEPTYTSKYI, F.M. T. VOINAROVSKYI AND THE UKRAINIAN DIASPORA IN VIENNA: COOPERATION IN THE INTERESTS OF THE CHURCH AND THE PEOPLE

Abstract

Based on archival materials from Vienna and Lviv, periodicals, and achievements of historiography, the article analyzes the relations and cooperation of Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytskyi, Father-Mitrat Tyt Voinarovskyi with the Ukrainian diaspora in Vienna. To start with, the Greek-Catholic bishops' activities in Vienna in behalf of the Church and the people, are investigated. The role of Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytskyi and Father-Mitrat Tyt Voinarovskyi in representing and defending the interests of Ukrainians in the Viennese Parliament is shown, in particular, in reforming the electoral, agrarian, and educational system. Furthermore, much attention is focused on the relations of the Greek Catholic bishops with representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Vienna, including a large number of politicians, artists, workers, and students. As stated, the Greek-Catholic bishops conducted a representative and mediating-communicative function between representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Vienna and Ukrainians in ethnic Ukrainian lands. Also, the study analyzes the relationship among the Greek-Catholic bishops and the Church of St. Barbara in Vienna parish priest Myron Hornykevych. Thanks to their close cooperation, it was possible to keep safe the ZUNR archive and private archival collections of public figures, unite Ukrainian emigrants in educational and youth organizations, provide young people with access to theological studies, and implement several charitable events in ethnic Ukrainian lands and abroad. Finally, specific examples show the public moods and everyday life, issues, and challenges of Ukrainian emigrants in Vienna, which was frequently the subject of correspondence of A. Sheptytskyi, T. Voinarovskyi, K. Sheptytskyi, M. Hornykevych, S. Dnistrianskyi, K. Blyzniuk,V. Singalevych, K. Avdykovych, to name a few. Keywords Greek Catholic Church, Metropolitan Sheptytskyi, Father Mitrat Tyt Voinarovskyi, Vienna, Ukrainian diaspora, emigration.