Religious Texts and National Identity – The Model of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

Abstract

Analyses of the processes that take part in the formation of nations reveal numerous interdependencies which stem directly from a nation’s religion and language. It is worth exploring them using the example of the multi-religious and multinational Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where the problem of legal separateness of a large part of the population had been growing since the end of the 14ᵗh century. Many elements that were part of cultural memory and built collective identity were used to strengthen national integration, and a crucial role in this process was played by religion, treated as a vital element of commemorative practices and rituals, and the persistence and stability of religious institutions. Examples of written texts and their collections which demonstrate both the universality of culture-creating activities of the Roman Catholic Church and the significance of Protestant denominations, Orthodox Church, and other religions present in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania confirm that national consolidation and formation of national identity need not be based only on the ethnic community but that religion is equally important. The article discusses the model of a specific concept of citizenship based primarily on a sense of community and historical tradition.

Fig. 1
Catechismvsa prasty Szadei, Makslas skaitima raschta yr giesmes del kriksczianistes bei del berneliu jaunu nauiey sugulditas..., 1547.
Source: public domain

Fig. 2
Catechismvsa prasty Szadei, Makslas skaitima raschta yr giesmes del kriksczianistes bei del berneliu jaunu nauiey sugulditas..., 1547.
Source: public domain

Fig. 3
Kathechismas Arba mokslas kiekwienam Kriksczonii priwalvs..., per D. Iokvba Ledesma..., 1595.
Source: public domain

Fig. 4
Kathechismas Aba Pamokimas Wienam Kvriamgi Kriksczonivy Reykiamas Kathechismas Aba Pamokimas Wienam Kvriamgi Kriksczonivy Reykiamas Paraszitas Nuog D. Iokvbo Ledesmos [...] E pergulditas..., 1605.
Source: public domain

Fig. 5
Postilla Catholicka. Tai est: Iszguldimas Ewangeliu kiekwienos Nedelos ir szwetes per wissus metus / [Jakub Wujek], per Kuniga Mikaloiv Davksza..., 1599.
Source: public domain

Fig. 6
Mikołaj Rej, Postilla Lietvwiszka. Tátáy est, Ižguldimas prástás Ewángeliu ant kožnos Nedelios ir Szwentes per wisus metus, kurios págal buda sená Bážnicžioy Diewá est skáitomos.../ [Jaokubas Morkunas], 1600.
Source: public domain

Fig. 7
Ritvale Sacramentorvm Ac Aliarvm Ecclesiæ Cæremoniarvm: Ex Rituali iuxta decretum Synodi Prouinc[ialis] Petricouien[sis] edito, depromptum: ad vniformem Ecclesiarum Regni Polon[iæ] & M. Ducatus Lith[uaniæ] vsum insuper aliquibus auctum..., 1641.
Source: public domain

Fig. 8
Konstanty Szyrwid, Dictionarivm trivm lingvarvm In vsum Studiosae Iuuentutis..., 1642.
Source: public domain