The Contribution of Josaphata Hordashevska and the Congregation of the Sisters Servants to the Development of Ukrainian Preschool Education and Socio-pedagogical Assistance to the Rural Population in Galicia (Late 19th and early 20th Century)

For many centuries, the preservation and development of the Ukrainian national culture and education was possible only due to the efforts of prominent public figures and spiritual leaders. These included the Ukrainian monastic communities, which contributed significantly to the social and cultural development of Galicia in the late 19th - early 20th centuries, particularly the Sisters Servants. The purpose of the article is to highlight the contribution of the Servant Sister Josaphata Hordashevska to the foundation and development of preschool for rural Ukrainian children, and to the organisation of charitable activities for the benefit of adults, including the elderly and sick. The Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate was established in 1892 with the purpose to provide educational and social services for the rural population. The first Sister Servant, Josaphata Hordashevska, set an inspiring example of the devoted service to the Ukrainian people in the field of preschool education and socio-pedagogical assistance. Her deeds demonstrated the example of a holy life, full of sacrificial and tireless service to the needs of others. Josaphata’s teaching career began in a preschool educational institution for Ukrainian children, the first of this kind in Galicia, in 1893. Thanks to her efforts, the Congregation established significant number of preschools, orphanages and Christian schools, implemented advanced methodological approaches and developed new curriculum for the Ukrainian children. In their pedagogical activities, the Sisters Servants applied principles of humanization, consistency with nature, individual approach to the personality, reliance on the positives and the national character of education. As a Congregation leader, Sister Josaphata was deeply concerned with the teaching process in preschools and their financial provision. Moreover, she initiated the acquisition of pedagogical education for the teaching Sisters and cared for their constant professional improvement. In addition to educational and spiritual mission, the Sisters Servants provided the medical care and assistance to the sick, poor, disabled and elderly. They ensured psycho-emotional support for their patients and offered various household services. Therefore, active and sacrificial work of the Sisters Servants in Galicia resulted in the formation of the network of Ukrainian preschools, orphanages, and other educational institutions, strengthening the tradition of helping the elderly and sick.