Początki struktury cerkiewnej na ziemiach ruskich i Wielkiego Księstwa Litewskiego

Abstract

The diocesan structure of the Ruthenian Church on the Grand Duchy of Lithuania lands began its formation at the end of the 11th century. The Smolensk bishopric was separated from Pereeslav diocese in 1136 as a result of Smolensk prince Rostsislav Mstsislavovich's (1127-1159) efforts. The Smolensk bishopric covered Smolensk Duchy as well as Mstsislav land. The oldest information concerning the existence of the bishopric in Polock dates back to the 12th century. The Polock diocese covered Polock and Witebsk lands. Tchernigov, Vladimiv of Volhynia and Turov bishopric were established in the 11th century. In the beginning Turov diocese covered all territory of Polesie, i.e. former Turov-Pinsk Duchy. In the 14th century Turov's bishops temporary governed the areas of South Podlasie (Brest), Black Ruthenia (Novgorodek, Grodno, Slonim, Volkovysk, Sluck, Kopyl) as well as North-Eastern pieces of Volhynia. In the middle of the 15th century the Leszczynski monastery, located at Pinsk suburbs, became a bishop's residence.