Koronacje wizerunków maryjnych w Cerkwi unickiej

Abstract

The paper presents the historical, theological and social context in which coronations of Virgin Mary images took place in the Uniate Orthodox Church centres in the Commonwealth of Both Nations. Papal crowns adorned the images in Żyrowice, Chełm and Poczajów. They were selected due to their popularity and old age. The coronation ceremonies were initiated and organised by hierarchs of the Uniate metropolis of Kiev and the Basilian Fathers. The coronation ceremonies were accompanied by rich decorative settings gathering large crowds of faithful followers of both Greek and Latin denominations. The coronations of Virgin Mary images were a form of integrating the Uniate Orthodox Church with the religious congregation recognising the Pope as the Head of Church and an important factor creating the religious, ecclesiastical as well as historical and mental identity of the Uniate Orthodox Church in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealt