Spiritual instructions for youth by Mykolai Charnetsky: purpose, principles and their philosophical aspects

Abstract

In the proposed article, the authors reflect on the theoretical basis and practical application of spiritual guidance and philosophical advice aimed at educating young people from the blessed martyr of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (hereinafter - UGCC), Bishop Mykola Charnetsky. The research is aimed at fostering a sense of spirituality, morality, patriotism, and psychological maturity in young people. The problematic of the research is that the current state of development of society in the context of brutal Russian aggression requires proper education and formation of mature personalities. Consolidation around one goal - the victory and revival of Ukraine in the near future - requires the proper education of young people, who will be in charge of the state in the future. The authors actualize the issues of significance and influence of the reflections of the blessed martyr on the moral and patriotic education of citizens. In addition, aspects of social pressure affecting spiritual development are analyzed: young people may experience pressure from society, peers, or social networks to conform to certain standards or ideals. This pressure can interfere with the development of their own identity and the search for meaning in life. The purpose of the article is to highlight and characterize the teachings of the blessed holy martyr Mykola Charnetsky, aimed at educating young people in a Christian and moral and patriotic spirit. The task is to reveal the purpose, basic principles of application and philosophical aspects of the spiritual guidance of Bishop Mykola Charnetsky. The authors have published the content of the spiritual instructions contained in the thoughts and teachings of UGCC Bishop Mykola Charnetsky during the Two World Wars in Galicia, delivered by this religious figure at a retreat to his seminary students and lay people, collected in a printed collection entitled "12 Stones of Spiritual Life," published in 2014 and dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the author's birth.