Leon Kiszka’s Preface of the Suprasl Sobraniye prypadkov (1722) in the Tradition of the Teachings for Priests

Abstract

Sobraniye prypadkov (Zbiór przypadków) – dialog close to the genre of catechism published in Suprasl typography in 1722 was prepared under the editorial supervision of Leon Kiszka – Kyiv Metropolitan, intellectual, teacher, translator, editor and author of many works, hierarch and reformer associated with the Synod of Zamość (1720), so important for the Church united with Rome. It is difficult to say to which degree Kiszka was involved in preparing Sobraniye, which was addressed to consecrated recipients but there is no doubt that he was an author of seven–page preface to this edition.

This entry paratext was treated by bishop as an effective channel of transmission for the teaching for clergy. From the functional point of view preface is not only introduction into the work but it turns out to be formation-content instruction. It creatively refers to old and newer exhortation for priests. Metropolitan selected from them themes, arguments, and motifs known, but he deepened the reflection, which did not take the form of simple recommendations, but was accompanied by a commentary, a bit more sophisticated in terms of content and expression. Similarity to teachings is also noticeable in rhetoric of statements and even at the level of composition. It must had happened to some extent in a natural way, by the strength of tradition, but perhaps Kiszka shaped this preface deliberately. By adding a preface to Sobraniye, he wanted to use another opportunity to educate priests and at the same time to make the message readable for the clergy, compliant with the adopted convention of teaching.

Publication of the discussed source was part of the broader educational activity of Leon Kiszka, who strove to strengthen the Uniate Church by raising the level of preparing parish clergy for ministry.