LDK evangelikų reformatų dvasininkijos elitas XVII–XVIII a.: superintendentų kolektyvinis portretas
The Elite of The Evangelical Reformed Clergy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 17th–18th Centuries: Collective Portrait of Superintendents

Summary/Abstract: The article is intended to examine the group of superintendents of the GDL evangelical Reformed clergy in the 17th–18th centuries. The development of the formation of this spiritual position, the theological substantiation, and the conditions and circumstances of persons becoming superintendents, are presented. A group composition of which 93 people were part until the end of the 18th century was reconstructed. The management functions of superintendents as church leaders and administrators at the unit and individual districts level are analysed: activities in collegial church institutions (general, provincial and particular synods); the most dynamic means of church supervision – visits, clergy (priests, catechists, lecturers) ordinances and practices (Sluck, Vilnius, Biržai, Kėdainiai gymnasiums, local church schools) and foreign alumni studies supervision; responsibility for preserving and revising church archives; financial management in solving treasury policy issues; taking care of execution of wills for churches; alternatives to using church manors; organising general and tolls; communicating with the Radvilas of Biržai- Dubingiai (until 1695), Nesvyžius-Olyka (until 1795) branches and smaller church patrons for the implementation of foundations and proper material provision of the church.

• Details
• Contents