REASONS AND CONTENT OF PROTOPRESBYTER GAVRYIL KOSTELNYK'S CRITICISM OF CATHOLICISM

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . The intellectual legacy of protopresbyter Gavryil Kostelnyk is notable for its significant influence on the religious thought of early 20th-century Ukraine. His works reflect deep engagement with a range of theological and social issues. A key turning point in his career occurred in 1925 after his visit to Rome, which shifted his focus from critiquing atheism and socialism to examining Catholicism critically. Before this, Kostelnyk had raised concerns about the theological dependence of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) on the Vatican. His opposition to Catholicism was further shaped by the "Easterners", a movement within the UGCC advocating the preservation of Orthodox traditions. This research aims to analyze Kostelnyk's theological transformation, focusing on his call for a return to undivided Christianity and his role in the 1946 Lviv Council.

M e t h o d s . The research is based on a comprehensive methodological approach, incorporating both historical-biographical analysis and textual criticism of Kostelnyk's works. Primary sources include archival materials and published works by Kostelnyk, such as his well-known writings "The New Era of Our Church", "The Dispute on the Epiclesis Between East and West", and "The Revival of the Church".

Results. The research shows that Kostelnyk's 1925 trip to Rome profoundly influenced his shift toward Orthodox theology. His critique of Catholicism intensified, positioning Orthodoxy as the true representation of Christianity. Kostelnyk's writings consistently advocated for the UGCC to abandon Catholic innovations and return to pre-schism traditions. His participation in the Lviv Council of 1946, which led to the reunification of the Galician Metropolitanate with the Orthodox Church, marked the culmination of his efforts. Despite Vatican opposition, his theological works continued to shape religious discourse in the region.

C o n c l u s i o n s . Gavryil Kostelnyk's journey from a reformer within the UGCC to a proponent of Orthodoxy underscores his dedication to restoring the original Christian doctrine. His critical analysis of Catholicism played a central role in theological debates and significantly contributed to the processes leading to the 1946 Lviv Council. Kostelnyk's legacy remains influential in discussions about the identity of the UGCC and its place within the broader Christian tradition.