From the Cohort of Bukovynian Radicals. Havrylo Hordyi (Ivan Dibrova) in the Ukrainian National Movement of the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Abstract

The article explores the life and multifaceted activities of Havrylo Hordyi (pen name: Ivan Dibrova), a prominent figure in the Bukovynian radical movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The study aims to elucidate his role in shaping the Ukrainian national movement in Bukovina and to analyze the interplay between his literary oeuvre and socio-political engagement.

The paper examines the socio-cultural context of H. Hordyi’s formative years, focusing on the impact of modernization processes within the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the educational milieu of Chernivtsi on his worldview. It demonstrates that the combination of his peasant background and access to education was a crucial factor in his integration into the nationally conscious intelligentsia. Particular attention is paid to the Chernivtsi Teachers’ Seminary as a centre for cultivating the patriotic and civic values that facilitated the involvement of youth in the Ukrainian movement.

The study highlights H. Hordyi’s active participation in the development of the «Sich» movement in Bukovyna, where he acted as an organizer, ideologist, and administrator. His contribution to the expansion of the «Union of Siches» (Soiuz Sichei), the coordination of local societies, and the dissemination of ideas regarding civic discipline, sobriety, and self-organization is traced. It is shown that, under the influence of the radicals, the Sich organizations transformed into effective institutions for the national education and political mobilization of the region’s Ukrainian population.

A distinct aspect of the research is the analysis of H. Hordyi’s activities during World War I. The paper clarifies his role in advancing the Ukrainian press, organizing aid for refugees and soldiers’ families, and participating in international anti-Russian agitation. It emphasizes the significance of his journalistic endeavours as an instrument of informational influence and the consolidation of Ukrainian society amidst wartime upheavals.

Furthermore, the article analyzes the literary legacy of Ivan Dibrova, which exhibits a distinct social and educational focus. It argues that his poetry and prose reflected the pressing issues of the peasantry — namely, social injustice, exploitation, and disenfranchisement — while simultaneously instilling in readers a readiness for action. The research demonstrates that his artistic form served as an effective medium for disseminating radical ideas, enabling the author to combine emotional impact with practical recommendations for organizing public life.