Roman Catholic clergy in the South of Ukraine in the 20-30’s of the 20th century: Yosyp Krushynskyi

Abstract

The article is devoted to the research of the Roman Catholic clergy’s fate in the South of Ukraine in the conditions of socio-political transformations of the 20-30’s of the twentieth century. The methods of struggle between Soviet power and religion are analyzed, the consequences of the destructive influence of anti-religious policy on the functioning of the Roman Catholic Church are traced, and the scope of losses among the clergy during mass political repressions are determined on the example of the priest Yosyp Krushinskyi. The author notes the repression of second half of the 30-ies of the 20th century against the clergy and believers, were directed by the Soviet government on the final liquidation on the Roman Catholic Church and the deprivation of her social influence, especially during the Holodomor of 1932- 1933. Manifestation of the social service of the Roman Catholic Church at this time was the organization of famine relief, the priests and the Roman Catholic charitable organizations by all possible means tried to help the starving people of the South of Ukraine.

The author of the article describes the vital and creative path of the priest and clarifies the features of his church and social activity. The role of Y. Krushinskyi in the development of the Roman Catholic Church, preservation of its organizational structure and viability during the implementation of state atheism is defined.