This dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal status, organisational structure, and numerical and social composition of the monastic communities in the Kyiv eparchy. It also examines the specifics of their economic, financial, cultural, educational, and charitable activities.
The research identifies the general trends that influenced the creation of the monastic network in the eparchy. It also outlines the challenges faced by monasteries under the new political, socio-economic, and cultural conditions of the synodal period. The main stages of monastery development are highlighted, taking into account their social, cultural, and economic roles.
Emphasis is placed on the economic activities of the Kyiv eparchy monasteries. Their financial and economic situation is analysed, alongside their impact on the local economy and contribution to the socio-economic development of Ukrainian lands in the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The dissertation further substantiates the concept of the monastery as a socio-cultural institution of the modern era. Monasteries are shown to combine the functions of a spiritual centre, an educational institution, a social refuge, an economic hub, and a stabilising force amid dynamic political and cultural transformations.
The dissertation examined the impact of state secularisation policies on the size, organisational status, and functional characteristics of Orthodox monasteries in the Kyiv eparchy during the synodal period. The monasteries were found to vary significantly in typology, social function, financial resources, extent of economic activity, and the scale of their cultural presence in the region. To identify patterns in their development, a chronological classification was applied, taking account of political, administrative, and economic changes.
Special attention was given to architectural and spatial aspects. The layout of monastic grounds was analysed, including churches, cells, economic buildings, and sacred sites. It was established that both the external appearance of monasteries and their role in the spatial organisation of settlements changed considerably during the synodal period. The construction of stone churches, bell towers, and residential and economic complexes conferred upon the monasteries the status of architectural landmarks. These structures actively shaped the urban landscape and influenced the planning and structure of surrounding settlements.
A comprehensive analysis of the monasteries’ economic activities in the Kyiv eparchy revealed the foundations of their financial operations. These institutions held substantial landholdings. Some of these resources were used to meet their own needs, while others were leased, providing a stable source of non-budgetary income. This economic model ensured relative financial independence and self-sufficiency, enabling them to function effectively even within the tightly regulated Synodal administrative system. At the same time, the structure facilitated economic interaction with local communities and contributed to the development of agriculture, crafts, and trade.
The dissertation also examined the conditions for entering monastic life, together with the size, social stratification, and internal status of the inhabitants of the Kyiv eparchy monasteries. Monastic life was regulated by statutes, which clearly defined norms of behaviour, internal organisation, and disciplinary requirements. The size of the monastic community did not exceed the prescribed staffing norms, which were determined according to the monastery’s category and the level of state funding.
The monastic community comprised members of the clergy, townspeople, merchants, Cossacks, and peasants. In the post-reform period, the social profile of the inhabitants changed. The proportion of individuals with higher education and from affluent social strata increased, as they turned to monasteries in search of spiritual solace or to escape social upheaval. This period also witnessed a significant rise in the number of nuns and novices in female monasteries. A notable trend was the growing presence of women from the nobility within the female monastic community. This development reflects both a shift in the motivations for monastic vocation and the increasing social prestige of women’s monasteries.
Practically all monks and nuns of the Kyiv eparchy monasteries had education of varying levels. This reflects the growing importance of education in the formation of monastic communities. A considerable number of inhabitants completed theological schools, seminaries, or district schools, attended literacy courses, or acquired knowledge through home education.
Keywords:Kyiv eparchy, the synodal period, lavra, monastery, almshouse, Orthodox monasticism, economic conditions, socio-cultural activities.
