Abstract
The paper brings forth a new facet of the preoccupations of Metropolitan Jacob of Putna, namely a series of initiatives in connection with the Saint Demetrius princely church from the town of Suceava and the urban community there. The diptychs of the church and the documents of the time show the metropolitan’s active concern for the situation of the town, through initiatives in which Metropolitan Jacob either substituted the prince, or notified him about the problems of the urban community, suggesting solutions, as well. These measures, raging from reconstructing the ruined churches and flocking the orthodox community around them, to encouraging the settlement of the Southern Danubian traders possessing great capital, which the locals lacked, make Metropolitan Jacob a preeminent figure in the economic and social revival of Suceava. Briefly considering other similar measures, the author outlines the Metropolitan’s outright interest for the practical aspect sought for by the Enlightenment rulers: the efficiency of the government, the key to understanding all of his initiatives.
Keywords
diptychs, Metropolitan Jacob of Putna, Southern Danubian traders, St. Demetrius Church, Suceava
