The role of Danylo Shtul in the cultural and spiritual life of Volyn in the period of Nazi occupation (1941–1944)

Abstract

In this article, the role of Danylo Shtul in the cultural and spiritual life of Volyn in the period of Nazi occupation (1941–1944) is highlighted. The state of development of this issue in Ukrainian and foreign historiography is determined. Issues that require further study and development are grounded. For the purpose of comprehensive study of the given issues archival documents and newspaper publications are used. In the scientific circle, new documents about life and activities of Danylo Shtul are introduced. In view of the state of development of this issue, the life and activities of Danylo Shtul were divided into three conditional periods. The main stages of life and activities of Danylo Shtul are examined. Information about the birthplace of Danylo Shtul is clarified. The influence of social and political events of the period of Second World War on the activities of Danylo Shtul is considered. Attention to his spiritual, cultural, social and political activities is concentrated. The author’s interpretation of the significance of Danylo Shtul’s religious, cultural, social activities in the life of Volyn in the period the Nazi occupation is outlined. Therefore, we must note that Danylo Shtul during the Nazi occupation was a supporter of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, supported the idea of creating an independent Ukraine and the spread of the Ukrainian language in the region. Particular attention is paid to the activities of Danylo Shtul as the head of the association «Prosvita». An assessment of Danylo Shtul’s activity as a clergyman, cultural and social figure is provided. It is stated, that Danylo Shtul was repressed in 1945 and rehabilitated in 1994. The conclusion on the important contribution of Danylo Shtul to the cultural and spiritual life of Volyn and Ukraine in general in the period of Nazi occupation is made.