Memory, Politics and Legacy of Metropolitan...

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The memory of Andrey Sheptytsky illustrates the interconnectedness of Polish and Ukrainian historical cultures. After communism's fall, both nations faced the challenge of reconstructing their cultural identities. Sheptytsky's legacy is significant, particularly as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) was previously marginalized in shaping contemporary Ukrainian identity, rendering it an incomplete legacy for many. During the Orange Revolution and Euromaidan, the UGCC emerged as a vital civil society institution, prompting various groups to reconnect aspects of Ukrainian life with Sheptytsky's legacy. This initiative has gained momentum, aligning with the broader process of decommunization, which seeks to free Ukrainian historical culture from Soviet-era burdens. This transition requires overcoming a mental barrier, as many still believe that reevaluating the Soviet legacy risks dismissing the modernity it introduced. In Poland, Sheptytsky remains a contentious figure, and while controversies are expected, the persistence of these debates, 30 years post-communism, is exacerbated by manipulated narratives.