Gra obrazami. Polityczny aspekt przedstawień Cyryla i Metodego w cerkwiach na terenach Rzeczypospolitej w drugiej połowie XIX i na początku XX wieku

In the second half of the 19th century, images of Saints Cyril and Methodius became popular in Greek Catholic churches in the Polish lands under Austrian partition. This popularity stemmed from the growing interest in them, associated with the celebrations of the millennium of beginning their apostolic activities among the Slavs (1863), the deaths of Cyril (1869) and Methodius (1885). The increasing cult of the two brothers was also exploited by political and ideological movements such as Pan-Slavism, Slavophile, and ecumenism. Based on research in Galician churches (limited to the territories of present-day Poland), it can be observed that the significance of the saints was not only evident in the frequent presence of their images but also in the manner of their placement. They were in the most important spaces within the temples, either in the sanctuary and its immediate vicinity, or within the dome. Moreover, they were often placed next to images of Saints Peter and Paul, as well as Saints John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus. Ukrainian patriotic ideas were expressed through the close presence of images of Saints Vladimir and Olga. The inclusion of images of Saints Constantine and Helena, as well as the orthodox priest vestments and utensils, emphasized the Eastern Christian roots of Cyril and Methodius’ mission. The iconography of Saints Cyril and Methodius was significantly influenced by models found in religious books, periodicals and religious images. Two main streams of influence can be distinguished: the Orthodox, Russian with its center in Petersburg, and the Western Catholic centered around Velehrad and more broadly in Moravia. The first stream predominated in areas adjacent to the Kingdom of Poland, while the second prevailed in Western Galicia. This division aligns with the political zones of influence of the respective occupying powers.