Friends!

Today I want to tell you the story of Petro Mohyla - the extraordinary man who remained as a significant figure in the history of Ukraine, its religious, educational and even political life. Yesterday it was the anniversary of his birth - 420 years. And today is the anniversary of his death, 370 years. Let us remember who he was.

Petro Mohyla came from the ancient Moldavian boyar family. His father Simeon Mohyla was the ruler of Moldavia and warlord of Wallachia and his mother Margaret was Hungarian princess. Simeon was poisoned by the plot, the family was in danger. So 11-year-old Petro was sent to stud yto Lviv. Later he graduated from the Zamojski Academy and studied in various universities of Holland, and probably France. Mohyla was an extremely intelligent man, fluent in Greek, Latin, Polish.

He could even take Moldavian throne! But he went to war. The future pastor was involved in two famous battles of Polish and Cossack troops against the Turks - in Cecora and Khotin.

Unfortunately, we don’t know how Petro lived after the battle and till he became the Archimandrite of Kiev-Pechersk Monastery at the age of 30. Unfortunately, at the time he was treated with skepticism. He was criticized for his high origin and nationality. But Petro Mohyla’s activity proves that he was one of the greatest patriots of Ukraine.

As Archimandrite, he started publishing. In 5 years in the Kyiv-Pechersk printing were made more than 15 publications, including books of Mohyla, as author. One of the most famous is - "Formulary." "We need to learn, so Rus’ would not be foolish," - said educator. The knowledge and power of education – in this Petro Mohyla believed extremely.

And in a complete peace in the spirit world. He sought harmony between all churches, because true faith that lives in the human heart, cannot hate others.

At the age of 34 years Petro Mohyla became Metropolitan of Kyiv. At this time, he realized his dream - combined school founded by and Kyiv Brotherhood. He created the Kiev-Bratska board, which we now know as the Kiev-Mohyla Academy - one of the most prestigious universities. At that times, it was one of the best in Eastern Europe. Students there were taught history, logic, rhetoric, theological disciplines.

Why did Petro Mohyla achieved all that he wanted? I think the reason was his special nature. He was a demanding man, even rigid. But firstly, according to himself, and afterwards – to others.

Metropolitan died at the age of 50. A few days before his death, he made a spiritual testament. Who became the main successor, how do you think? Kiev-Bratsk board. He commanded 81,000 zlotys to it, all his real estate, jewelry and library. Petro Mohyla was buried at left at the main course of the Assumption Cathedral in Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

Friends, Petro Mohyla was an extremely important figure in the history of Ukraine. In terms of inter-religious hatred he represented peace and love, developed publishing and more - raised the level of education in the country to a new level. Eternal memory.