Kyiv Protection of the Mother of God Convent in Social and Cultural Space of Big City in the Second Half of the 19th – early 20th сentury

Abstract

The purpose of the research paper is to study the history of the foundation, spatial development, financial, economic, and charitable activities of Kyiv Protection of the Mother of God Convent (Kyiv-Pokrovskyi Convent) and to clarify the importance of convents and their monasticism in the social and cultural space of a big city in the second half of the 19^th – early 20^th century.

The scientific novelty. The history of Kyiv Protection of the Mother of God Convent in the second half of the 19^th – early 20^th century, the formation of its architectural and economic complex, the social composition of the nuns, financial and economic activities, and its place in the social and cultural space of Kyiv are studied. Archival materials reflecting various aspects of the history of Kyiv Protection of the Mother of God Convent are introduced into scientific circulation.

Conclusions. The second half of the 19^th century was marked by a change in government policy toward the Russian Orthodox Church and its monasteries, which allowed Kyiv Eparchy to restore some abodes and establish new ones. Kyiv Protection of the Mother of God Convent, established in 1889, was the last such institution to be built in Kyiv during the synodal period. However, in a short time, the abode managed to become an important spiritual center, shaping the spiritual authority of the nuns and the aesthetic impact of solemn monastic services, influencing the cultural atmosphere of the big city.

The abode’s location in the central part of Kyiv was crucial for its economic, social, and cultural activities. Status of a big city and the goal of its founder to organize such a convent influenced the contingent of nuns and novices, which distinguished this convent from other abodes of the eparchy. The first-class monasteries, which included Kyiv Protection of the Mother of God Convent, where nuns lived together, were more likely to be entered by representatives of the nobility. As a rule, the reverend mothers of this convent were representatives of the so-called ‘educated monasticism.’

Socio-economic and socio-political changes that occurred in the second half of the 19^th – early 20^th century contributed to the fact that the traditional religious function of Orthodox monasteries no longer met the needs of the times. In this regard, special attention was paid to the establishment of educational institutions at monasteries, and the strengthening of charitable, cultural, and educational activities. The processes of urbanization, commercial, and industrial development of Kyiv encouraged the convent’s leadership and nuns to keep up with the times and meet the needs of the surrounding society. Thanks to the monasteries, Kyiv, given the rapid transformational changes in society, continued to preserve its unique image of the ancient Christian capital. At the same time, the monasteries became part of the urban environment, skillfully using the results of urbanization and economic development, combining the significance of religious, historical, and cultural centers. Visiting them by pilgrims and travelers acquired not only the character of worship of the shrine but also had an educational character.