The contribution of the Galician Rural Clergy to the Development of Ukrainian Education in Halychyna (late 19th – 1930s)

Abstract

The article analyzes the role of the Greek Catholic rural clergy in the development of the school education system in Halychyna in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The authors examine various aspects of the priests' activities, including their participation in supporting talented young people and forming a new educated class, developing a network of private educational institutions, and fighting for the Ukrainian language of instruction by participating in the submission of relevant declarations.

The aim of the study is to trace the contribution of the rural clergy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the development of schooling in Halychyna in the context of the cultural, educational, and socio-political processes of the time. The authors also think it necessary to restore the names of a number of clergymen who actively defended the right of Ukrainians to be educated in their native language, but who, unfortunately, are little known to the general public. The methodology is based on the principles of historicism, scientific rigor, objectivity, and systematicity. General scientific (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and special historical (historical-genetic and historical-systemic) methods were used.

The authors conclude that it was priests who encouraged talented young people to continue their education in higher and secondary educational institutions, craft or economic schools. They provided moral and material support to children from poor families. They contributed to the development of the «Ridna Shkola» society by actively participating in its work, as well as by establishing private educational institutions and collecting donations. Representatives of the clergy encouraged the public to fight for the right to education in their native language and organized the collection of signatures on declarations.