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Metropolis of Kamianets (Exarchate of Little Rus')

The Metropolis of Kamianets (Exarchate of Little Rus') was an independent Eastern Orthodox metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople centered in Kamianets-Podilskyi, founded in August 1681 by Ecumenical Patriarch James (Iakovos) for the spiritual care of Right-Bank Ukraine amid its separation from the Metropolis of Kyiv.

Overview

Following the passage of Podillia and Right-Bank Ukraine into an Ottoman protectorate as part of the Eyalet of Kamaniçe, Ecumenical Patriarch James (1679–1682) established a distinct metropolis centered in Kamianets by charter in August 1681. Greek hierarch Pankratios was appointed to the metropolitan see, receiving the title of "Exarch of All Little Rus'."

The establishment of the Metropolis of Kamianets was a consequence of the death of the last canonical Metropolitan of Kyiv, Halych, and All Rus', Antoniy Vynnytskyi, signaling the canonical and administrative separation of Right-Bank Ukraine from the Moscow-subordinated Metropolis of Kyiv. Pankratios was the sole head of this metropolis (1681–1690), after which its territories passed under the jurisdiction of the Metropolis of Brăila.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Founding and Primary Sources: Founded in August 1681 by charter of Ecumenical Patriarch James (the original Greek-language charter is preserved in the Manuscript Institute of the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine).
  • Metropolitan Pankratios: Greek Bishop of Laodicea, who headed the Kamianets see from 1681 to 1690.
  • Title "Exarch of All Little Rus'": The official title testified to the high exarchal status of the metropolis and its role as the primary Orthodox center of the Right Bank.
  • Subsequent History: After 1690, the territories of the Metropolis of Kamianets were subordinated to the Metropolitan of Brăila of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.