The religious factor of the Jagiellonian idea: historical origins and present-day realities

Abstract

The article reveals the impact of the Jagiellonian idea on the development of Ukrainian culture and religion, which has deep historical roots and remains relevant in the current political and cultural realities. The author examines the peculiarities of the formation of the Jagiellonian concept formulated in the period of greatness of the Polish-Lithuanian state. The peculiarity of the political system under the rule of the Jagiellons was the ability to ensure the effective functioning of religious diversity. The Jagiellonian concept promoted the idea of creating a multinational community with a center in Poland, which included Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Belarusian and other peoples. The Jagiellonian idea promoted cultural exchange, the introduction of new religious ideas, and became an important factor in the formation of Ukrainian spiritual identity in the context of active interaction between Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Greek Catholicism.  The Jagiellonian idea actively promoted education, which contributed to the preservation and spread of the Orthodox tradition. In particular, the activities of fraternal schools provided access to Western culture while supporting the Ukrainian spiritual heritage. This allowed the Ukrainian church to expand its influence and preserve its uniqueness. The article focuses on the fact that the study of the Jagiellonian idea allows us to trace its influence on the formation of modern approaches to interstate cooperation and support for Ukraine's sovereignty in the context of geopolitical instability. The transition from these ideas to the concept of the Three Seas is a natural step, since the Three Seas Initiative seeks to unite the countries of Central and Eastern Europe into a bloc that would help strengthen their independence and develop economic, political and energy cooperation. The author emphasizes that the idea of the Three Seas, supported by many European countries, in turn, underlines the desire for a stronger and more independent Central and Eastern Europe, where Ukraine should play a key role as an important strategic partner. However, the diversity of manifestations of this idea and the different interpretations of its implementation demonstrate the complexity of how to achieve genuine tolerance and unity in the face of multiple political and religious influences.