Marian Zdziechowski and the Russian students at the Stefan Batory University in Wilno

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between Professor Marian Zdziechowski and the students of Russian nationality at the Polish University of Stefan Batory. This scientist and thinker was the curator of the Russian Student Union and the student corporation “Ruthenia Vilnensis”. Zdziechowski’s participation in the activities of Russian student organizations and involvement in the fate of individual students is explored in the context of the scholar’s attention to Russian religious philosophy and his goodwill towards the Russian emigrates and minorities in Poland, and the rejection of communism. The main research material consisted of archival documents and publications in Vilnius interwar periodical press in Polish and Russian. The study showed that Zdziechowski was an ideological leader, a highest authority and a role model for Russian students in Wilno.

Keywords

• Marian Zdziechowski
• Russian minority
• Russian emigration
• Stefan Batory University
• student organizations