Kristian Shalenyk
Master’s student, Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv,
Kyiv, Ukraine
E-mail: kristianshalenuk@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0484-6613
DOI: 10.17721/2522-4611.2025.52.4
NATIONAL QUESTION AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE BASILIAN ORDER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN MOVEMENT IN TRANSCARPATHIA DURING THE INTERWAR PERIOD (1918–1939)
The article examines the issue of national identity of the monks of the Order of Saint Basil the Great (OSBM) in Transcarpathia and their contribution to the development of the Ukrainian national movement in the interwar period (1918–1939). It is shown that, unlike in Galicia, where the Basilians had a clearly defined Ukrainian identity, the situation in the Transcarpathian environment was more complex due to the diverse ethnic composition of the monks, the processes of Magyarization, and the contradictory attitudes of the local clergy. It is demonstrated that the reform of the OSBM, initiated with the participation of Galician monks, contributed to the establishment of Ukrainophile ideas in the monasteries of the Mukachevo Eparchy, particularly through missionary, educational, and publishing activities. Significant attention is paid to the role of the younger generation of monks, educated by Galician basilians, who became the promoters of the Ukrainian national idea among the believers. At the same time, the study traces conflicts within the Order between adherents of Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak and Ukrainian orientations, which were aggravated by the political situation and neighboring state interests. Particular emphasis is placed on the Basilians’ cooperation with Ukrainian cultural and educational organizations, such as Prosvita and Plast, and their participation in related activities. The article also highlights the opposition of Russophile forces and the suspicions of the Czechoslovak authorities, who perceived the activities of some monks as a threat to the state order. During the period of Carpatho-Ukraine, the Basilians became a spiritual support for the government of A. Voloshyn and the Carpathian Sich; however, after the Hungarian occupation in 1939, they faced persecution and repressions.
Key words: Order of Saint Basil the Great (OSBM), Basilians, Transcarpathia, Subcarpathian Rus’, Carpatho-Ukraine, national identity, Ukrainophilism.
Received 3.09.2025.
Revised 12.09.2025.
Accepted 15.09.2025.
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