Ekumeniczna misja Williama Palmera do Rosji w świetle jego Uwag po odwiedzeniu Cerkwi rosyjskiej w latach 1840–1841

• Published in: Kultura Słowian. Rocznik Komisji Kultury Słowian PAU 2019-01, Vol.XV, p.241
• Main Author: Popińska-Pindych, Aleksandra
• Format: Article
• Language: Polish
• Subjects: Anglican churches; Eastern Orthodox churches; Theologians
• ISSN: 2451-4985; 2543-9561
• DOI: 10.4467/25439561KSR.19.011.11327

William Palmer, a tractarian, a graduate of Oxford University, a theologian and liturgist devoted his life to the reconciliation of the Anglican Church with the Orthodox Church. According to the branches theory which he postulates, the Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches – like the branches of one tree – are deeply united, not only historically – by the same root, but also dogmatically by the same essence of worship. Sir Palmer, after receiving letters of recommendation from the bishops of the Church of England and secular dignitaries, went on a self-proclaimed ecumenical mission to Russia. Notes of a Visit to the Russian Church in the Years 1840–1841 are the fruit of his adventures, disappointments and admirations he had experienced during his quest. Although his hopes for intercommunion and unification quickly proved to have no chance of fulfillment, during his stay he thoroughly learnt the customs and the routine of a daily life of the faithful and priests in Russia, which was immortalized on the pages of his notebook. This article is an attempt to familiarize the reader with this outstanding work – completely unknown in Poland, which was edited after Palmer’s death by cardinal John Newman, who wanted to prevent the dedication of such an exceptional theologian from being forgotten.