Places of remembrance of Patriarch Volodymyr(Romaniuk) in Ivano-Frankivsk region

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to highlight the forms of memorialisation in Ivano-Frankivsk region of the Ukrainian Orthodox religious figure and dissident Vasyl Romaniuk (Patriarch Volodymyr). The methodology is based on the principles of historicism, scientific rigour, systematicity, and Pierre Nora's concept of lieux de mémoire (places of memory). The research employed general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction) and specific scientific methods (critical, historical-genetic, historical-systemic). The scientific novelty lies in highlighting the process of commemorating V. Romanyuk in the Ivano-Frankivsk region as part of the 2025 anniversary events through the unveiling of memorial plaques and commemorative signs. Vasyl Omelyanovych Romaniuk (09.12.1925–14.07.1995), also known as Patriarch Volodymyr, was the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) in 1993–1995. He is also known as a fighter for Ukraine's independence in the 20th century, primarily on the side of the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), as well as a member of the Ukrainian Public Group for the Implementation of the Helsinki Accords (Ukrainian Helsinki Group, UHG). Romanyuk was an Orthodox priest who advocated the unwavering preservation of national traditions and Ukrainian spiritual culture. The creation of memorial sites and symbolic objects dedicated to V. Romanyuk, i.e. his memorialisation, is of great importance for the Ivano-Frankivsk region, as he was a native of the area. This activity is carried out by government authorities, religious communities, and private individuals. In particular, it manifests itself in the opening of museums, commemorative plaques, memorial boards, monuments to Patriarch Volodymyr, and the creation of exhibitions about him and other figures closely associated with him. It is through such symbols that Ukrainian national identity is formed and affirmed – a person's lasting awareness of belonging to the Ukrainian nation. His Holiness Patriarch Volodymyr (Romaniuk) of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine is honoured in Ivano-Frankivsk region. Memorial plaques and boards have been erected in such settlements as Novoselytsia, Kryvorivnia, Kosmach, Akreshory, Babyn, Rozhniv, Kosiv, and monuments in Kosiv, Kosmach, and Khimchyn. The memory of V. Romanyuk is preserved in museums in Kosmach, Kryvorivnia, Khimchyn. No less important places of remembrance are the wooden Hutsul churches where Father Vasyl served. These churches are mainly architectural monuments of national importance. It is on their walls that memorial plaques and tables dedicated to Romanyuk are installed. The memorialisation of places of remembrance of Patriarch Volodymyr plays an educational, informative and identifying role, contributes to the formation of regional and national identity, preserves the historical memory of an outstanding figure, and consolidates society.