On 6 November it is 215 years since the birth of Father Markiyan Semenovych Shashkevych — spiritual enlightener, poet, writer, public figure, pioneer of modern Ukrainian literature in Galicia and one of the leaders of the Ukrainian national revival.
The life of Markiyan Shashkevych is especially closely linked with the villages of Humnyska and Novosilky, which now form part of the Busk urban territorial community. In the village of Humnyska, the young priest began his pastoral ministry after completing his studies at the Lviv Theological Seminary. There he conducted services, preached in Ukrainian in a language the villagers could understand, cared for their spiritual development and contributed to the awakening of national consciousness.
In the history of Galicia, Markiyan Shashkevych is remembered as the head of the “Ruska Triytsia” (Ruthenian Trinity), the initiator of the publication of the almanac “Rusalka Dnistrova” and a steadfast defender of the Ukrainian language and culture. His work marked an important stage in the spiritual and cultural revival of the region.
The last place of Father Markiyan’s pastoral service was the village of Novosilky, where he was appointed in 1842. It was here that he spent the final years of his life, and on 7 June 1843 he passed into eternity at the age of just 31. On the site of the old church where the priest carried out his ministry, a commemorative chapel has now been erected, recalling the presence of the Awakener of Galicia on this land and preserving the memory of his spiritual legacy.
To honour this outstanding native son, the People’s Museum of Fr Markiyan Shashkevych has been established in Novosilky; it was opened in 2011 to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth. The museum has become an important centre for preserving historical memory and promoting the life and work of the enlightener.
The 215 years that have passed have not diminished the significance of the word, work and selfless service of Markiyan Shashkevych to his people. For the residents of the settlements of the Busk urban territorial community, the figure of the Awakener of Galicia remains not only part of all-Ukrainian history, but also a weighty page in the spiritual and cultural heritage of their native land.