Antin Sielava

Anton Sialava. %D0%90%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD %D0%A1%D1%8F%D0%BB%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B0 (XVII)

Antin Sielava was a prominent Eastern Orthodox bishop and Metropolitan of Kiev. He played a significant role in the religious and political life of the Ruthenian lands during the 17th century.

Early Life

Antin Sielava was born in the early 17th century in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Little is known about his early life and education. He entered the monastic life at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Ecclesiastical Career

Sielava was appointed as the Metropolitan of Kiev in 1620 by Patriarch Theophanes III of Jerusalem. His appointment came during a period of significant religious conflict and political turmoil in the region. The Union of Brest in 1596 had created a schism within the Ruthenian church, leading to the establishment of the Greek Catholic Church.

As Metropolitan, Sielava worked tirelessly to strengthen the position of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the face of pressure from both the Roman Catholic Church and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. He was a staunch defender of Orthodox traditions and sought to maintain the independence of the church from external influences.

Contributions and Legacy

Antin Sielava is remembered for his efforts to preserve the Eastern Orthodox Church in the Ruthenian lands. He was instrumental in the establishment of several monasteries and churches, which served as centers of religious and cultural life. His leadership helped to sustain the Orthodox community during a period of significant external pressure.

Sielava's tenure as Metropolitan was marked by his commitment to the Orthodox faith and his efforts to resist the encroachment of the Union of Brest. His legacy is still remembered in the Eastern Orthodox Church today.

Death

Antin Sielava passed away in 1655. His death marked the end of an era for the Eastern Orthodox Church in the Ruthenian lands, but his contributions continued to influence the church for many years to come.

See Also

• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Metropolitan of Kiev
• Union of Brest
• Ruthenia
• Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth