The Genesis of the Pomianyk as a Type of Manuscript Book in the Context of the Kyiv Metropolis Memorial Tradition (16th–18th сenturies)
The Genesis of the Pomianyk as a Type of Manuscript Book in the Context of the Kyiv Metropolis Memorial Tradition (16th–18th сenturies)

Summary/Abstract: This article studies the emergence of the Pomianyk (Synodikon) as a separate type of Cyrillic manuscript. The emergence of Pomianyk is analysed in the context of the funeral prayer practice used in the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the early modern period. Pomianyk and the memorial records in other books are seen as expressions of memory. The findings revealed that a practical necessity at the request of believers to save their souls in the 16th and 18th centuries was the reason for developing such a separate type of manuscript. The historical sources reflect the mindset of the people of that time, who believed that through charitable activities in favour of the Church, they would receive absolution and salvation of the soul after death. Hetman Ivan Skoropadskyi donated funds to restore the Great Church of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra because he wanted God’s protection both during his life and after his death. The author explores the genesis of the Pomianyk in the donation records in church books and their memorial entries. This study analyses 14 manuscript Pomianyks used in the churches of Kyiv Metropolis, with particular attention paid to the 1741 “Nyzkynychi Pomianyk”, which has not yet been the subject of a separate analysis. In addition, other manuscripts and early printed books of the early modern period, which best reveal the problems of funeral practice in the stated region and at the specified time, were involved in the study.

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