Public discussion on the anniversary of Mykola Hayevoy’s death

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August 27 marked the anniversary of the death of Mykola Hayevoy, a historian, a soldier and graduate of the Faculty of Humanities at the Ukrainian Catholic University, where he earned a master's degree in history. Therefore, on this day, in Uzhhorod, his hometown, a public discussion was held to commemorate him and discuss important historical issues.

The discussion held at the UAL office in Uzhhorod, was attended by scholars from the Ukrainian Catholic University and Uzhhorod National University, colleagues, military personnel, and friends of Mykola who shared Mykola’s profession and vocation.

The event was organized by the team of the Mykola Haievoi Center for Modern History (MHC). Yaroslav Hrytsak, head of the center of the Ukrainian side was one of Mykola's mentors.

War changes not only our understanding of history, but also historians themselves. A year has passed since the death of Mykola Hayevoy, but the memory of him and his example continue to inspire. This was the impetus for organizing a public discussion to spread knowledge about Mykola, his path as a historian and military officer, and the historical perspective of the current Russian-Ukrainian war. Participants discussed how war changes the way we understand the past and, along with it, historians themselves. In wartime, history ceases to be a “safe distance” and becomes a call to responsibility — to the past, the present, and those who are no longer with us.

“Mykola didn't just study history, he lived it and became part of it. His actions are also a document,” emphasized Mykola's friend, military officer and UCU graduate Mykhailo Martynenko during the meeting.

Another UCU graduate, historian, and now military officer Maksym Osadchuk, also took part in the discussion, sharing his own experience of war and emphasizing the important task of historians.

"For me, as a historian and a soldier, the existential microhistory of a person at war, that is, what a soldier experiences at a particular moment, is very important. From personal experience, I can say that during shelling and close combat, soldiers experience very chaotic emotions, and so many thoughts swirl in their heads that it is difficult to describe them. In this context, I believe that the highest skill of a historian or writer is to record this experience and make the inexpressible at least partially expressible—to describe it. Therefore, if someone starts working in the direction of psychological existential microhistories, it will truly be a great contribution," Maxim Osadchuk shared.

All participants in the discussion expressed their hope that such discussions would become a good tradition of remembrance and would take place annually. At the meeting, they also announced their intention to compile a comprehensive biography of Mykola Hayevoy and organize a series of annual lectures in memory of the Hero.

Pictures: Myroslava Balog