SEAL OF THE “COSSACK” SKETE “BLACK WHIRLPOOL” AT ATHOS (LATE 18th — EARLY 19th c.)

Abstract

The article examines and first introduces into scientific circulation the seal of the “Cossack” skete on Mount Athos “Black Whirlpool” (“Mavro Vyr”) of the 18th — early 19th centuries. Its image was found in Ukrainian and foreign archives among three skete documents of 1758, 1766 and 1802. For the first time, two skete documents from this era are published in applications. Based on the analysis of archival sources, little-known facts are revealed, in particular regarding the status of the Black Whirlpool as a self-governing skete on Mount Athos. It has been established that the seal of the Black Whirlpool has not only historical value, but also represents an example of Ukrainian printing art and also has artistic value. This seal is an important confirmation and attribute of the official status of the monastery. This status of a self-governing skete and the national composition of its inhabitants are indicated on the seal itself, which in itself is a significant historical evidence. The study introduces scientific novelty in the context of studying the historical, spiritual and cultural ties between Ukraine and Athos in the early modern ages.