The Problem of Assessment of the Union of Brest in Belarus

Abstract

In the year 2016 we celebrate the 420^th anniversary of the Union of Brest. As a result of its signing there arose Greek Catholic Church which plays an important role in spiritual, cultural and political history of Belarus. In connection with the anniversary, the author wonders how this event is viewed by Belarusian historians, philosophers, culturologists and Church figures.

Within the framework of the article, on the one hand, the author provides some points of view of those scientists who consider that Greek Catholic Church is a national church of the Belarusian people. On the other hand, there are some arguments of obvious opponents of the Uniatism who in their turn think that this confession is uncongenial to the Belarusians and provides threat to the Orthodoxy.

It becomes obvious that civilization antagonism of the East and West influences the position of scientists greatly. Also the problem of the Uniatism frequently complicates the contacts between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. In a certain sense it is a challenge for ecumenical dialogue.