Abstract
The objective of the article is to investigate the history of the establishment and activities of the Ioanykiivskyi Almshouse based on materials from the journal «Kyiv Diocesan News». The methodological framework of the study is based on general scientific principles of scientific validity, objectivity, systematicity, structuralism, historicism, and methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, and application aimed at comprehensive coverage of facts and phenomena, the use of reliable, verified information, and presenting the material in a clear sequence. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the study and systematization of reports from the Ioanykiivskyi Almshouse, which were submitted for consideration at diocesan congresses and published in the journal «Kyiv Diocesan News», helping to form an understanding of the establishment and functioning of the shelter as an important component of the social protection system for lonely, disadvantaged representatives of the clergy and the charitable activities of the Orthodox Church as a whole. Conclusions. Within the social welfare system of the Orthodox Church, particular support was needed for lonely and disadvantaged members of the clergy, especially widows and orphans. Thanks to a donation of 50,000 rubles from Metropolitan Ioanykii, who transferred it to the Kyiv Diocesan Guardianship, the idea of establishing an almshouse named after the benefactor became feasible. The shelter was located in the premises of a former theological school in the town of Bohuslav, Kaniv County. Admission to the shelter was upon request to the diocesan guardianship with mandatory certification by the local charitable council. When vacancies were available, individuals from the clergy were admitted to the almshouse for a fee, which was used for the needs of the shelter. Several dozen individuals, mostly women, were constantly residing in the institution. The funding for the shelter was provided from the interest on the Ioanykiivskyi capital. The rules for staying in the almshouse and the work schedule were regulated by the provisions. Over time, the living conditions in the shelter improved, funds were allocated for repairs, and medical assistance. The question of opening a school for children was constantly raised, as envisaged by the provisions, but due to a lack of funds, this was never realized.