Ukrainian Diplomats Visit Lund University
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Ambassador to Sweden Svitlana Zalishchuk toured the Lund University Library. During their visit, they examined books commissioned by Hryhorii Orlyk, the son of Hetman Pylyp Orlyk. Among the displayed works was the Liturgiarion (a service book), printed in 1620 at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
The Liturgiarion contains the texts and order of the main liturgies of the Byzantine rite, including:
- the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
- the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
- the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
It was printed in two colors—black and red. The edition was richly decorated with engravings, such as the 'Dormition of the Mother of God,' and also featured headpieces, tailpieces, and decorative initials. As noted by Maryna Trattner, a Swedish journalist and lawyer of Ukrainian descent:
“The book includes the texts and order of the main liturgies of the Byzantine rite: St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. It was printed in two colors, black and red. The edition was richly adorned with engravings, including the 'Dormition of the Mother of God,' headpieces, tailpieces, and decorative initials.”
Hryhorii Orlyk commissioned not only the Liturgiarion but also other books printed at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra press and the Lviv Brotherhood press. According to Maryna Trattner:
“It is hard to say whether he commissioned all these Ukrainian books, but the list definitely included the Liturgiarion (service book), printed in 1620 at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.”
Researchers at the Swedish National Archives have also discovered the seal of Pylyp Orlyk, who served as General Chancellor from 1702 to 1709 and as Hetman of the Zaporozhian Host in exile from 1710 to 1742. Pylyp Orlyk belonged to the noble Orlyk family of Czech origin and used the 'Nowina' coat of arms. These findings underscore the significance of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, which is being studied and preserved beyond its borders.
Significance of the Visit for Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage
The visit by Ukrainian diplomats to the Lund University Library marks an important step in preserving and promoting Ukraine’s cultural heritage abroad. The discovery of Pylyp Orlyk’s seal highlights the deep historical roots of Ukrainian culture and its influence on European heritage. Research into such artifacts can further the study of Ukrainian history and strengthen cultural ties between Ukraine and Sweden.