Obraz świeckich patronów i seniorów Kościoła ewangelicko-reformowanego w piśmiennictwie XVI i XVII wieku

Abstract

The paper presents opinions coming from the 16th and 17th centuries pertaining to lay patrons and seniors of the Polish Reformed Church. Dedications attached to confessional publications emphasised the significant role of, among others, Krzysztof Dorohostajski, the Radziwiłł family of Biržai, the Gorajski family, the Leszczyński family as protectors of their co-religionists, book sponsors, founders of Protestant churches, and patrons of institutionalized education. The loss of patrons was considered God’s punishment. Documents reporting synodal meetings provided specific actions that should be undertaken by lay senior members of a community. A Protestant assembly in Kėdainiai in 1630 presented the criteria of the selection of lay seniors and their scope of duties, which included: supervising the behaviours of their co-religionists, admonishing misbehaving gentlemen and ministers, regular participation in assemblies, etc. Documents from provincial synods of Unitas Lithuaniae featured both praises of its patrons’ activities, particularly of Krzysztof Radziwiłł, and critique of financial support they offered to Protestant churches and ministers.