Eugene Hackmann was an Eastern Orthodox bishop and politician who lived from 1793 to 1873. Born in Vaslovivtsi, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become the Archbishop of Czernowitz and the Metropolitan of Bukovina and Dalmatia. Beyond his religious duties, he held significant political roles, serving as the Marshal of the Duchy of Bukovina and as a member of the Austrian House of Lords. His leadership was marked by efforts to expand education and infrastructure, though his administrative decisions often sparked debate among the various ethnic groups in his jurisdiction.
Life and career
After studying theology in Vienna, Hackmann entered monastic life at Dragomirna Monastery. He served as a professor of Biblical Studies before being appointed Bishop of Bukovina in 1835. During his tenure, he promoted primary education and oversaw the construction of the Holy Spirit Cathedral. His political influence was substantial, as he served in the Imperial Senate and supported the establishment of a university in Czernowitz.
Veneration and legacy
Hackmann is recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which formally canonized him in 2026. While his legacy is viewed through different lenses by Romanian and Ukrainian historians due to his ethnic origins and political leanings, he is remembered for his charitable works and his role in defending the Orthodox faith. His remains were once reported to be incorrupt during an inspection in 1914.