Rus´ Restored

This book examines Meletij Smotryc´kyj's pivotal role in the Orthodox-Unite conflicts, providing insights into early modern Rus´ and its religious dynamics.

In Rus´ Restored, the life and works of Meletij Smotryc´kyj are explored against the backdrop of the religious conflicts in early modern Ruthenia. A prominent religious figure, Smotryc´kyj was deeply involved in the contentious struggle between Orthodox and Uniate beliefs following the Union of Brest in 1596. His polemical writings became foundational in shaping the Orthodox response to the Polish-Lithuanian Reformation and Counter-Reformation, providing a lens through which to understand the religious dynamics of the time.

The book delves into the turbulent environment of Ukraine during the early 1600s, where the Orthodox and Uniate Churches vied for dominance over the spiritual lives of the Ruthenian people. Smotryc´kyj, as a leading spokesman for Orthodox renewal, was at the forefront of this conflict, engaging in passionate debates that were reflected in the writings of both factions. His works reveal the fervent exchanges that characterized this period, highlighting the intensity of the ideological battles that shaped religious identities.

Later in life, Smotryc´kyj's conversion to Uniatism marked a significant shift in his perspective, as he sought to bridge the divide between Eastern and Western Christianity. The collected writings in Rus´ Restored span two decades and provide invaluable insights into the intellectual elite of early modern Rus´, their struggles, and their aspirations within the broader context of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.