Rare anti-epidemic 17th-century medallions from the church of Uzhhorod Castle

Abstract

The article is devoted to two identical medallions which were found during archeological research in the grounds of Uzhhorod Castle in 2019. Such devotional objects were discovered for the first time in the territory of Ukraine. The main focus of the study was the iconography of the images on the items, transcription of the abbreviations, clarification of the content and meaning of the depicted scenes. The article discusses the relationship between the depicted scenes and the activities of the monastic congregations of the Benedictines and the Franciscans. The researchers explored the circumstances related to the veneration of saints and the origin of their reliquaries in Europe. Protective qualities of the saints were analysed in detail.