Духовний світ українців в контексті новелістики Марка Черемшини: філософсько-культурологічний вимір

Relevance. Recent events in Ukraine demonstrate that, even in times of war, the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage becomes a target for occupation. Under these circumstances, Ukrainian scholars must clearly identify, declare, and defend Ukrainian culture, creativity, and their creators and bearers; they must also elevate, to a worthy scientific level, everyone who has contributed to the treasury of spirituality, culture, and mentality of Ukraine’s ethnic groups and subethnic communities, including the Ukrainian people as a whole. It is important to conduct a multi-dimensional examination of Ukrainian spirituality, encompassing studies not only in literary and art criticism but also through the lenses of philosophy, culture, and religious studies. Obviously, the state’s cultural policy should support the development of deep and holistic knowledge about the ethnic, religious, and other groups that collectively form Ukrainian society. It is known that instilling this knowledge and respect begins in the family environment, from early childhood, through all available means, and continues through schools and higher educational institutions. These institutions, by exploring the uniqueness of Ukrainian philosophy, turn to the traditions vividly described in the works of Ukrainian writers. This study is dedicated to a philosophical and cultural analysis of the works of Marko Cheremshyna, highlighting significant themes of meaning and existence in his literary creations. Purpose. To reveal the uniqueness of the Ukrainian spiritual world (through the example of the Hutsul ethnographic group) via dialects, language, culture, Christian philosophy, lifestyle, and life circumstances, as illustrated in Marko Cheremshyna’s novellas. Conclusions. Marko Cheremshyna’s works feature prominent philosophical themes for contemplation, such as anthropocentric themes and the role of suffering and compassion in human life, which resonate with the experiences of Ukrainians today. The author draws attention to humanity’s understanding of themes of inevitability and humility. Love for nature holds a special place in his work, as does the question of justice, existential themes, Ukrainian identity, and the cultural uniqueness of Ukrainians. The analyzed novellas (“Osnovyny,” “Karby,” “Once Mother Gave Birth,” “Saint Nicholas in the Forge”) include certain storylines that reflect the customs and traditions of the Hutsuls. The people depicted by Cheremshyna are filled with a love for life and thus embody spirituality in its deepest form. Cheremshyna’s Hutsul peasants express their spirituality through their adherence to authentic customs and traditions. Through Cheremshyna’s work, readers once again find confirmation that Ukrainians (exemplified by the Hutsuls) lived in harmony with nature. The spirituality of the Hutsul peasant was intertwined with faith in God and hope for a better life. In revealing specific details of everyday life, daily thoughts, and experiences, Cheremshyna was clearly convinced that Hutsul peasantry vividly represented the uniqueness of Ukrainian ethnic groups and, consequently, the distinctiveness of Ukrainian culture.