Historian (dr hab., prof. ucz.), researcher of political history, military history and history of the church in Belarus and Poland in 20th century. He is dealing with the history of the Belarusian national movement and the history of the Orthodox Church. Since 2008 - teaching at the Department of Central and East European Intercultural Studies, Applied Linguistic Faculty, University of Warsaw
Interwar Latvia was one of the largest concentrations of the Belarusian population outside Belaru... more Interwar Latvia was one of the largest concentrations of the Belarusian population outside Belarus. The majority of Latvian Belarusians were indigenous people who lived in Latgale. Until 1934, the Belarusian minority enjoyed cultural autonomy, which manifested itself in the activities of socio-political, cultural and educational organizations. One of the manifestations of Belarusian activity was theatrical activity. Belarusian activists treated theater as a way to promote Belarusian culture and Belarusian national awareness. The core of the artists were teachers and students of Belarusian schools. Plays by Belarusian authors were played on the stages of theaters, less frequently foreign ones (including Latvian ones). In the irst years of Latvian independence, some Belarusian cultural and educational organizations conducted theater activities. In addition, amateur theater groups were established in secondary schools in Daugavpils and Ludza. An important event in the development of the local Belarusian theater was the establishment in 1927 of the Belarusian Theater Society in Latvia, which had two branches-in Riga and Daugavpils. Despite the lack of professionals and experience, Belarusian theater groups enjoyed the interest of the audience.
Wielokulturowość Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej: doświadczenia przeszłości i wyzwania teraźniejszości, red.: J. Getka, J. Grzybowski, Warszawa , 2023
In 1941-1944, Bialystok was under German occupation. The occupiers tried to exploit the national ... more In 1941-1944, Bialystok was under German occupation. The occupiers tried to exploit the national antagonisms that existed in the region. To this end, they were willing to grant certain concessions in the fi eld of culture and education to Belarusians. This was borne out by the formation of the Belarusian Association, which brought together in its ranks the most socially active members of the Belarusian society. The organisation carried out social, cultural, and educational activities which its leaders intended to contribute to the national emancipation of Belarusians. The occupation authorities, on the other hand, saw the organisation as a tool for pro-German propaganda and suppressing anti-German sentiments among the local population.
OIKOS: Lietuvių migracijos ir diasporos studijos, 2023
The economic emigration from Poland to Latvia and Estonia was a consequence of the socioeconomic ... more The economic emigration from Poland to Latvia and Estonia was a consequence of the socioeconomic situation in both countries. The internal determinants of emigration were agrarian overpopulation and poverty in the Polish countryside. In this situation, many people saw a chance to improve their existence in exile. The problem of overpopulation and an excess of hands in the Polish countryside coincided with rapid economic development in Latvia and Estonia, which led to a shortage of manpower in agriculture. The emigration movement to Latvia lasted from 1928 to 1939. Emigration to Estonia lasted only three years: 1937-1939. The number of Polish workers employed in Latvian agriculture is estimated at over 100,000 people. In Estonia, there were five to seven thousand Polish farmers and several hundred miners. The religious structure of the emigrants was diverse; most were Catholics. The Polish authorities tried to provide these people with pastoral care, sending Polish priests to Latvia and Estonia in order to prevent the assimilation of Poles in exile to the local, predominantly Protestant, population. However, the Latvian authorities opposed the actions of the Polish clergy-this was due to the complexity of Polish-Latvian relations inside the country at the time. Nevertheless, many emigrants did not attend church because they received increased wages for working on Sundays.
Polish-Belarusian relations during World War II were very сomplicated and tense. The Polish autho... more Polish-Belarusian relations during World War II were very сomplicated and tense. The Polish authorities in exile and the Polish armed underground in the country sought to restore Poland's sovereignty. On the other hand, the supporters of the creation of an independent Belarusian state collaborated with Germany in the hope that the Third Reich would help them achieve their goal. Despite these differences, there was a possibility of Polish-Belarusian cooperation. One of the least known episodes of this cooperation is the attempt by activists of the Belarusian Central Council to establish contacts with the Polish authorities in exile in 1945. At the same time, an attempt was made to interest the British authorities in Belarusian affairs. This article presents several documents that testify to Polish-Belarusian contacts during this period. These documents are kept at the National Archives in London-Kew and Rutgers University (USA).
W poszukiwaniu tożsamości Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej. Tom jubileuszowy z okazji dwudziestolecia Katedry Studiów Interkulturowych Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, 2022
After World War II, approx. 100,000 Belarusian people remained in exile. In the years 1945-1951, ... more After World War II, approx. 100,000 Belarusian people remained in exile. In the years 1945-1951, the largest concentration of Belarusian emigrants was in West Germany. In terms of religion, the majority were Orthodox (70%) and Catholics (20%). The religious situation was characterized by great disorder and a diversity of various religious organizations. Belarusian leaders strove to organize religious life based on national principles. To this end, an attempt was made to make the Belarusians independent from Russian and Polish influences. In the case of the Orthodox Church, this was done through the creation of the Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Belarusian parishes under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Some Belarusian activists also wanted to establish a Belarusian Catholic Church of the Eastern Rite. It was believed that it would become the national church of Belarusians. This idea was not appreciated by the majority of emigrants.
Polish Miners in Estonia between 1937 and 1939 The purpose of the publication is to present the f... more Polish Miners in Estonia between 1937 and 1939 The purpose of the publication is to present the fate of Polish miners in Estonia between 1937 and 1939. Until now, this topic has only been hinted at by some Polish historians while doing other research. This article is based on Polish and Estonian documents which are kept in the Central Archives of Modern Records in Warsaw and the National Archives of Estonia in Tallinn, respectively. This allowed the Polish and Estonian viewpoints on the subject to be compared. Taking into account the state of research on the discussed topic, the article presents such issues as the genesis, course and consequences of the emigration of Polish miners to Estonia. The analysis of Polish and Estonian documents indicates that the main reason for labour migration from Poland to Estonia was material deprivation, which went hand in hand with access to the foreign labour market. Lack of work opportunities and poverty in Poland forced miners to seek work abroad. At the same time, economic changes in Estonia during the interwar period led to the emergence of new industries in the country, the most important of which was the fuel industry. Estonia needed foreign miners to work in shale mines. Poland was the only country that supplied Estonia with miners, as the budding Estonian oil industry was unable to meet the demands for skilled professionals from Western Europe.
Interwar Latvia was one of the largest concentrations of the Belarusian population outside Belaru... more Interwar Latvia was one of the largest concentrations of the Belarusian population outside Belarus. The majority of Latvian Belarusians were indigenous people who lived in Latgale. Until 1934, the Belarusian minority enjoyed cultural autonomy, which manifested itself in the activities of socio-political, cultural and educational organizations. One of the manifestations of Belarusian activity was theatrical activity. Belarusian activists treated theater as a way to promote Belarusian culture and Belarusian national awareness. The core of the artists were teachers and students of Belarusian schools. Plays by Belarusian authors were played on the stages of theaters, less frequently foreign ones (including Latvian ones). In the irst years of Latvian independence, some Belarusian cultural and educational organizations conducted theater activities. In addition, amateur theater groups were established in secondary schools in Daugavpils and Ludza. An important event in the development of the local Belarusian theater was the establishment in 1927 of the Belarusian Theater Society in Latvia, which had two branches-in Riga and Daugavpils. Despite the lack of professionals and experience, Belarusian theater groups enjoyed the interest of the audience.
Wielokulturowość Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej: doświadczenia przeszłości i wyzwania teraźniejszości, red.: J. Getka, J. Grzybowski, Warszawa , 2023
In 1941-1944, Bialystok was under German occupation. The occupiers tried to exploit the national ... more In 1941-1944, Bialystok was under German occupation. The occupiers tried to exploit the national antagonisms that existed in the region. To this end, they were willing to grant certain concessions in the fi eld of culture and education to Belarusians. This was borne out by the formation of the Belarusian Association, which brought together in its ranks the most socially active members of the Belarusian society. The organisation carried out social, cultural, and educational activities which its leaders intended to contribute to the national emancipation of Belarusians. The occupation authorities, on the other hand, saw the organisation as a tool for pro-German propaganda and suppressing anti-German sentiments among the local population.
OIKOS: Lietuvių migracijos ir diasporos studijos, 2023
The economic emigration from Poland to Latvia and Estonia was a consequence of the socioeconomic ... more The economic emigration from Poland to Latvia and Estonia was a consequence of the socioeconomic situation in both countries. The internal determinants of emigration were agrarian overpopulation and poverty in the Polish countryside. In this situation, many people saw a chance to improve their existence in exile. The problem of overpopulation and an excess of hands in the Polish countryside coincided with rapid economic development in Latvia and Estonia, which led to a shortage of manpower in agriculture. The emigration movement to Latvia lasted from 1928 to 1939. Emigration to Estonia lasted only three years: 1937-1939. The number of Polish workers employed in Latvian agriculture is estimated at over 100,000 people. In Estonia, there were five to seven thousand Polish farmers and several hundred miners. The religious structure of the emigrants was diverse; most were Catholics. The Polish authorities tried to provide these people with pastoral care, sending Polish priests to Latvia and Estonia in order to prevent the assimilation of Poles in exile to the local, predominantly Protestant, population. However, the Latvian authorities opposed the actions of the Polish clergy-this was due to the complexity of Polish-Latvian relations inside the country at the time. Nevertheless, many emigrants did not attend church because they received increased wages for working on Sundays.
Polish-Belarusian relations during World War II were very сomplicated and tense. The Polish autho... more Polish-Belarusian relations during World War II were very сomplicated and tense. The Polish authorities in exile and the Polish armed underground in the country sought to restore Poland's sovereignty. On the other hand, the supporters of the creation of an independent Belarusian state collaborated with Germany in the hope that the Third Reich would help them achieve their goal. Despite these differences, there was a possibility of Polish-Belarusian cooperation. One of the least known episodes of this cooperation is the attempt by activists of the Belarusian Central Council to establish contacts with the Polish authorities in exile in 1945. At the same time, an attempt was made to interest the British authorities in Belarusian affairs. This article presents several documents that testify to Polish-Belarusian contacts during this period. These documents are kept at the National Archives in London-Kew and Rutgers University (USA).
W poszukiwaniu tożsamości Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej. Tom jubileuszowy z okazji dwudziestolecia Katedry Studiów Interkulturowych Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, 2022
After World War II, approx. 100,000 Belarusian people remained in exile. In the years 1945-1951, ... more After World War II, approx. 100,000 Belarusian people remained in exile. In the years 1945-1951, the largest concentration of Belarusian emigrants was in West Germany. In terms of religion, the majority were Orthodox (70%) and Catholics (20%). The religious situation was characterized by great disorder and a diversity of various religious organizations. Belarusian leaders strove to organize religious life based on national principles. To this end, an attempt was made to make the Belarusians independent from Russian and Polish influences. In the case of the Orthodox Church, this was done through the creation of the Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Belarusian parishes under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Some Belarusian activists also wanted to establish a Belarusian Catholic Church of the Eastern Rite. It was believed that it would become the national church of Belarusians. This idea was not appreciated by the majority of emigrants.
Polish Miners in Estonia between 1937 and 1939 The purpose of the publication is to present the f... more Polish Miners in Estonia between 1937 and 1939 The purpose of the publication is to present the fate of Polish miners in Estonia between 1937 and 1939. Until now, this topic has only been hinted at by some Polish historians while doing other research. This article is based on Polish and Estonian documents which are kept in the Central Archives of Modern Records in Warsaw and the National Archives of Estonia in Tallinn, respectively. This allowed the Polish and Estonian viewpoints on the subject to be compared. Taking into account the state of research on the discussed topic, the article presents such issues as the genesis, course and consequences of the emigration of Polish miners to Estonia. The analysis of Polish and Estonian documents indicates that the main reason for labour migration from Poland to Estonia was material deprivation, which went hand in hand with access to the foreign labour market. Lack of work opportunities and poverty in Poland forced miners to seek work abroad. At the same time, economic changes in Estonia during the interwar period led to the emergence of new industries in the country, the most important of which was the fuel industry. Estonia needed foreign miners to work in shale mines. Poland was the only country that supplied Estonia with miners, as the budding Estonian oil industry was unable to meet the demands for skilled professionals from Western Europe.
The article discusses the history of the formation and activity of the Polish orthodox chaplaincy... more The article discusses the history of the formation and activity of the Polish orthodox chaplaincy in the three western occupation zones of Germany after World War II. At that time, there were hundreds of thousands of refugees from Poland in the area. In terms of religion they constituted a mosaic. The followers of the Orthodox Church were the second largest group after the Catholics. The authorities of the Republic of Poland in exile felt obliged to provide these people with religious care. Led by Archbishop Sawa (Sowietov), priests carried out the ministry in Germany. The author has analyzed the political and social conditions in which the structures of the Polish Orthodox Church in refugee camps in West Germany were organized and functioned. The author has also presented the influence of the ethnic factor on the activity of the Polish Orthodox clergy.
The subject of this study is the activity of the Belarusians in the General Government in 1940–19... more The subject of this study is the activity of the Belarusians in the General Government in 1940–1945. Belarusians were the fifth largest ethnic group in the GG. The German occupation authorities, applying the principle of “divide and conquer”, were ready to give Belarusians some freedom in the sphere of culture, religion and economy. In 1940, the Belarusian Committee was established in Warsaw, with branches in Biała Podlaska and Kraków. The majority of committee members were Belarusians and Poles – prisoners of war and refugees from the Soviet occupation zone of Poland. As a priority of this organization, cultural, educational and religious activities among the Belarusians in the General Government were recognized. The activists of the committee managed to create a school in Warsaw and two parishes (Orthodox and Catholic). Belarusian activities faced some difficulties. Serious problems for the Belarusians Committee caused the activities of Ukrainian organizations in the GG. One of th...
Politeja Pismo Wydzialu Studiow Miedzynarodowych I Politycznych Uniwersytetu Jagiellonskiego, 2012
The article concerns the attempt to create in Poland, in the 1930s, the Belarusian National Socia... more The article concerns the attempt to create in Poland, in the 1930s, the Belarusian National Socialist Party. The leader and advocate of the idea was Fabian Okinczyc. He believed that National Socialism would contribute to solving social and economic problems of Belarusians and facilitate the creation of the Belarusian state. Belarusian National Socialists were characterized by its severe criticism of the existing political and economic system, anti -Semitism, and hostility towards other Belarusian parties. They hoped that, with the help of the Third Reich, Belarus would gain its independence. Despite the fact that Okinczyc strongly emphasized the relationship with Hitler’s party, Belarusian National Socialists did not consider the Third Reich as a direct model to follow. The National Socialists were unable to win the confidence of the Belarusian people. Their influence among their countrymen was negligible. The activity of Okinczyc’s group met with firm disapproval from the majority of Belarusian politicians and the government of the Second Republic of Poland. The attempt to create the Belarusian National Socialist Party was, in the end, unsuccessful.
The article discusses the history of the formation and activity of the Polish orthodox chaplaincy... more The article discusses the history of the formation and activity of the Polish orthodox chaplaincy in the three western occupation zones of Germany after World War II. At that time, there were hundreds of thousands of refugees from Poland in the area. In terms of religion they constituted a mosaic. The followers of the Orthodox Church were the second largest group after the Catholics. The authorities of the Republic of Poland in exile felt obliged to provide these people with religious care. Led by Archbishop Sawa (Sowietov), priests carried out the ministry in Germany. The author has analyzed the political and social conditions in which the structures of the Polish Orthodox Church in refugee camps in West Germany were organized and functioned. The author has also presented the influence of the ethnic factor on the activity of the Polish Orthodox clergy.
The subject of this study is the activity of the Belarusians in the General Government in 1940–19... more The subject of this study is the activity of the Belarusians in the General Government in 1940–1945. Belarusians were the fifth largest ethnic group in the GG. The German occupation authorities, applying the principle of “divide and conquer”, were ready to give Belarusians some freedom in the sphere of culture, religion and economy. In 1940, the Belarusian Committee was established in Warsaw, with branches in Biała Podlaska and Kraków. The majority of committee members were Belarusians and Poles – prisoners of war and refugees from the Soviet occupation zone of Poland. As a priority of this organization, cultural, educational and religious activities among the Belarusians in the General Government were recognized. The activists of the committee managed to create a school in Warsaw and two parishes (Orthodox and Catholic). Belarusian activities faced some difficulties. Serious problems for the Belarusians Committee caused the activities of Ukrainian organizations in the GG. One of th...
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