The figure of Meletius Smotrytskyi in the context of the Berestei Agreement

The article analyzes the socio-economic situation of the first half. XVII century and its influence on the religious picture of the Ukrainian lands as part of the Commonwealth. In order to reveal the topic, the main features of Meletius Smotrytsky's biography, the circumstances of the formation of his personality and views, the degree of his participation in religious controversy over the church's union with Rome are described. The preconditions and the process of change in the views on the issues of the Union by M. Smotrytsky are traced. In addition, we characterize the consequences of such polarization and the reaction of the Orthodox hierarchy of the Rus’ Church. We draw attention to the value of M. Smotrytsky's contribution to protecting the need for church understanding with the Apostolic See.