Boyko B. Transformational processes in Christian denominations in Volyn province under the Russian Empire (1793?1917))

The thesis researches transformational processes in Christian denominations in Volyn province province in the late 18th – early 20th c. It has been ascertained that since Volyn province was annexed by Russia in 1793 and during the first decades of the 19th century, the tsar took pains to dissolve Uniate Church and weaken the position of Roman Catholics. To that effect, the thesis analyses the complex of activities directed at reunification of the Uniates with the Russian Orthodox Church and reveals the essence of the large-scale punitive actions against Catholics considerably strengthened by Polish rebellions in 1831 and 1863?1864. It is proved that, dynamics and nature of transformations in the life of the Christian denominations in Volyn province in the mid-19th – early 20th centuries were to a large extent determined by German and Czech settlements in Volyn and by the emergence of various sects of Orthodox Christians and so called Old Believers. It has been concluded that depending on church and historical conditions in the life of the Christian denominations in Volyn province in the end 18th – early 20th centuries has changeable dynamics of evolution and different priorities, however the general strategy of the Russian authorities during their political and administrative rule in Volyn was characterized by imperial mentality, which found its realization in imposing Russian language, culture and Orthodox faith and was ideologically expressed in the slogan «Orthodoxy, аutocracy, nationality».