Philip Orlik and his Constitution

Philip Orlik (Pilip Orlik - ukr.) Went down in history as one of the most influential politicians in Eastern Europe. With his name is the emergence of the first political emigration - after the defeat of the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava in 1709 in Bender, supporters of I. Mazepa were assembled, who were announced a new "government in exile." After the death of Mazepa emigrants led Philip Orlik.

short biography

The future politician came from a well-known family of Orlikov, who had long held a firm political position in the Czech kingdom. After the Hussite wars, a heavy skating rink passed through Eastern Europe in the 14th century, the younger branch of the barons emigrated, settled in Rech Pospolita, and then - in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In with. Ksuti, located near Vilnius, was born Philip Orlik. Date of birth - October 11, 1672 - indicates a fairly turbulent period of the history of Eastern Europe: the Cossacks defended the borders of the country and repulsed the attacks of the Lyahs and Turks. A year after the birth of his son, his father was killed by a janissary saber in the Battle of Khotin. A noble Czech baron was of Catholic denomination, but the mother of Philip, Irina, was born Orthodox. As it often happens, Philip accepted the confession of his mother and began to profess Orthodoxy. It is not surprising that soon a new name appeared in one of the most prestigious theological universities of that time: Philip Orlik. Photo of his school and now can be found in various sources.

Youth

In the Kiev-Mohyla Academy, the abilities of the young Philip opened up from the very best side. His diligence, perseverance, giftedness and ability to conduct discussions were highly appreciated by the well-known theologian and rhetorician Stefan Yavorsky. At the end of the academy, Philip Orlik remains in Kiev and occupies one of the places under the Kiev metropolis. Then he meets the daughter of Paul Gertsyk, a colonel from Poltava, and in 698 he marries his chosen one, having strengthened his position among the Cossack seniority.

First steps in politics

Good background, excellent education and personal qualities helped young Orlik to make a dizzying career. He was able to become the confidant of Hetman I. Mazepa. Ivan Stepanovich became godfather firstborn Orlik. In a short time, Philip Orlik became one of the wealthiest people in Ukraine - he owned a farm and sat in Poltava and the Chernihiv region. And the position of the authorized representative of IS Mazepa allowed F. Orlik to keep abreast of all historical decisions. It was then that long conversations with his friend and ally led I. Mazepa to the idea of using the enmity of Sweden and the Russian Empire in order to liberate both of them and create a Ukrainian state.

The Battle of Poltava and the role of I. Mazepa

A part of the Cossack sergeant, who did not want to recognize the supremacy of the Russian autocrat, rallied around I. Mazepa. The desire to break the centenary agreement was reinforced by the rude and unceremonious interference of imperial Russia in the internal affairs of Ukraine. And the Cossacks, the clergy, and the philistines were not satisfied with the existing state of things and wanted changes for the better. It was on their money that the plans for the formation of Ukrainian statehood were gathered and worked out. Backed by Sweden, Mazepa's supporters tried to create an independent state in which Philip Orlik could take a prominent position. The biography of a trustworthy supporter seemed to be a big plus in the development of Orlik as hetman of Ukraine. Good prospects were confirmed by the advanced age of Mazepa, and it was clear to everyone that the faithful fellow hetman and supporter of Ukraine's independence should take a worthy place in a new, independent state.

Hetmanate

History and a string of accidents did not come true to the plans of Mazepa. After the defeat in the Battle of Poltava, Charles XII with his supporters moved to the Moldovan city of Bendery. It was there after the death of Ivan Stepanovich Philip Orlik received a hetman. As the hetman of all Ukraine he was recognized both by the Swedish king and by the Turkish sultan. The ceremony was held according to the old Cossack customs, as opposed to the appointment of the hetman on the right-bank Ukraine. To the east of the Dnieper Ivan Skoropadsky became the leader of the Cossacks.

Adoption of the Constitution

But the main historical event in 1710 was the adoption of the world's first written constitution. Having collected all the traditions and norms of Cossack law, taking into account the traditions of the modern European political order, Ukraine adopted a constitution, the author of it was Philip Orlik. A brief biography of this politician in any directory of the world is designated as the life story of a person who tried to legally implement the laws of democracy.

Philip Orlik and his Constitution

The main law of the country was written in Latin and in the Old Ukrainian language, it contained 16 parts and a preamble. It began with the proclamation of independence, rejection of any domination under any conditions - both on the left and on the right side of the Dnieper. The power of the hetman was called to limit the main council, which would consist of elected deputies from the Cossack regiments. The sergeant-major and the colonels would lead the meeting. The hetman must make decisions, taking into account the recommendations of his council. In addition, it was planned to collect a big Diet three times a year. It would include ambassadors from Zaporozhye troops, deputies from the clergy, representatives of all cities of Ukraine.

The Constitution guaranteed the rights and freedoms of all residents of the state, regardless of property and class distinctions. In addition, it was planned to carry out land reform, to check all land plots illegally seized or transferred to private ownership, so that the situation of the poorest people was equalized. The Ukrainian statehood was to spread to the entire territory of Ukraine, and the borders of the new country had to be respected by all neighboring countries.

Results of the Constitution

The very fact of the appearance of such an important document testifies to the level of enlightenment and statehood of the Cossack sergeant of the early 18th century. The general level of education of that time allowed to count on the fact that all innovations will be accepted and approved by the people. But, unfortunately, this document was never destined to become the first democratic constitution of a real state. Repeated attempts to reverse the course of events could not be crowned with success. The first Ukrainian state arose only two hundred years later.

Throughout his life, Philip Orlik lived in many European countries. His children scattered all over Europe, and the eldest son Gregory was able to make a fortune in France and became the owner of extensive lands near Paris. His descendants after many years sold the land to the French government, and on this site was built the airport, named after the first owner - "Orly".

The very first creator of the constitution ended his life in the Moldovan city of Iasi. Until the last days he received letters from all over Europe, he tried to keep abreast of all political events. But the power of the tsarist autocracy grew stronger, and there was less and less hope of getting rid of the grip of the neighboring state.

Until now, on the green hills of Moldova, in Bender there is a memorable sign of Philip Orlik. This place is visited by tourists from many countries of the world as a token of gratitude to the famous patriot of Ukraine.