THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEK-CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND SCIENCE IN EASTERN GALICIA IN THE INTERWAR PERIOD

The purpose of the study is to analyze the activities of the Greek Catholic clergy in the context of the development of theological education and science in the interwar period in Eastern Galicia. 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 the comprehensive analysis of the stated topic and the introduction of archival materials into scientific circulation, which makes it possible to clarify the main activities of the Greek Catholic clergy in the context of the development of theological education and science in the interwar period in Eastern Galicia. Conclusions. In the first half of the twentieth century, the priestly profession in Eastern Galicia had a high social status. The system of theological education included five Greek Catholic seminaries and one higher educational institution, the Greek Catholic Theological Academy, which provided training. Under the Polish occupation, the seminaries were centers for preserving Ukrainian national identity, contributing to the education of patriotic clergy who played an active role in the national and cultural revival. The Academy became a center for the formation of Ukrainian theological schools of thought, promoting research in theology and church history. The curriculum combined theological disciplines aimed at developing practical skills with general education subjects such as languages (Ukrainian, German, French), history, and geography. The most successful graduates had the opportunity to continue their studies abroad. The Greek Catholic Theological Academy was an important scientific, educational, and cultural center that made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian theological science, education, and culture. Its activities contributed to the formation of a highly educated clergy, the development of scientific research and the establishment of interfaith dialogue.