METROPOLITAN ANDRЕI SHEPTYTSKYI AND THE CAUSE OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

Abstract

The article examines motivation of Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytskyi (1899–1944) interest in the matter of Christian Unity. Based on the analysis of Pastoral messages of the Galician Metropolitan it highlights real steps towards implementation of the program of the unity of the Christian Church and the historical evolution of the idea of ecumenism. It focuses on the reaction of the Orthodox bishops and intellectuals to the Metropolitan’s calls to unity of the Ukrainian churches in 1941–1942. The conclusion is made that the unity of the churches of the Ukrainian people is a necessary guarantee to the national consolidation within Ukraine.