The reason for the visit was the Presentation of the Research Program "Kyivan Christianity", prepared by the Vice-Rector of UCU Dr. Igor Skochylias, and the presentation of a monograph by professor of Ostroh Academy Petro Kulakovsky “The clerc, nobleman and shepherd: biography of Yosyf (Mokosiy-Bakoveckyj), the Bishop of Volodymyr-Brest (1595-1654) ”, which was published this year by UCU. During the presentation took place a discussion about the idea of ​​the Kyivan Church, its ecumenical potential and perspectives of inter-university and interdisciplinary study of Kyivan Christianity. Pavlo Smytsniuk in particular said:

"Recognizing the fact, that we are all basically rooted in one Byzantine-Kyiv tradition may have the potential to become a new platform for dialogue. It may include working together on the sources of Kyivan Christianity, developing unified liturgical texts, a shared reflection on community at the local and regional level, and - why not? - working together on the elements of Particular Canon Law. "

 During the visit, the participants of the Presentation visited the Academy buildings, the very interesting Museum of Book and Printing with a unique collection of 15-18 century books. The IES delegation also held talks with colleagues from the Ostroh Academy regarding establishing cooperation, organizing and conducting joint academic events, in particular within the framework of the Ukrainian Christian Academic Association.

Taras Dmytryk