PARTICIPATION OF THE GREEK-CATHOLIC CLERGY IN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROCESSES IN EASTERN GALICIA IN THE INTERWAR PERIOD

The purpose of the study is to analyze the main directions of educational and cultural activities of the Greek-Catholic clergy in the conditions of Eastern Galicia under the rule of the Polish Republic. The methodology of the study is based on the principles of historicism, scientificity, objectivity, and systematicity. General scientific (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) and special historical (historical-genetic, comparative-historical) methods were used. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive analysis of the stated topic and the introduction of archival materials into scientific circulation, which makes it possible to clarify the main directions of educational and cultural and educational activities of the Greek-Catholic clergy in the interwar period in Eastern Galicia. Conclusions. In the interwar period, the Greek Catholic parish clergy of Eastern Galicia played a key role in preserving national education and culture, and helped restore the financial and property status of parishioners. The clergy actively advocated for the preservation of schools with Ukrainian as the language of instruction, helped to conduct school plebiscites, and defended the right to study in Ukrainian. For educational purposes, the clergy created centers of the Prosvita society in parishes. The key goal of the cooperation between the branches and priests was to strive for the spiritual and cultural uplift of the Ukrainian people through the organization of education and cultural and educational activities in parishes. Priests were active members of Prosvita, participating in its meetings and events. They organized reading rooms, libraries, and gave lectures and speeches aimed at raising national consciousness and patriotism. The Greek Catholic Church provided practical and material support for the activities of Prosvita. The wives of Greek Catholic priests were actively involved in social activities and cultural and educational processes in parishes.