Union of Brest (1596) – Brest
Fact of the Polish figure „Warsaw Confederation – 1573 – Warsaw”
Part of the „Religious tolerance and intolerance” topic
Eastward expansion of Poland and Lithuania resulted in great population of Orthodox Christians under their rule. For centuries, their presence had been tolerated and their endeavours for shared good – appreciated by their Catholic neighbours. However, progress of Counter-Reformation in late 16th century inclined the followers of Rome to increased evangelization attempts not only towards Protestants, but also Orthodox people of Ruthenia, encouraged to the Western denominations in many ways. The pinnacle of such an effort was Union of Brest in 1596, when, after years of negotiations, several bishops of the Orthodox Church within the Commonwealth agreed to accept the primate of Pope over themselves while maintaining most of their doctrine. That marks the beginning of the Greek Catholic Church, which – despite years of conflict, crisis and persecution – remained persistent and active to this very day, resulting in true religious union between Rome and many Eastern Christians.
