Herasim Kondratiev

Early years and origins

Gerasym Kondratiev was born in the town of Stavishche, which was part of the Belotserki regiment. His father's name was Kindrat, hence the name Gerasim Kindratovych. The surname Kondratiev appeared in the second half of the 17th century as a result of the tsarist government's policy of rewriting Cossack names in the Moscow style.

Relocation to Slobidska Ukraine

After the defeat in the Battle of Berestets in 1651 and the punitive actions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth troops in Right-Bank Ukraine, Gerasim Kondratiev initiated the resettlement of a hundred Cossack families to Slobid Ukraine in 1652. He became the founder and first mayor of the city of Sumy (1652-1658), and later the first Sumy colonel.

Role in the settlement of Sumy region

Gerasim Kondratiev played a significant role in the settlement of Sumy Oblast, founding several settlements. His contribution to the development of the region was significant and lasting.

Support of hetmans and rebellion

In 1668, he supported Hetman Petro Doroshenko, but after concluding the latter's alliance with the Ottoman Empire, broke off relations with him. In the same year, there was an uprising of Tsareborysots, who went over to Bryukhovetskyi's side. Gerasim, together with another Slobid colonel, was sent to the Chuguyvo voivodeship, where they defeated the rebels together. For this, he received great gifts from Tsar Alexei.

Hetman ambitions

In 1669, having considerable influence and being the colonel of the most important regiment of Slobid Ukraine, Gerasim Kondratiev claimed the hetman's mace, but lost the fight to Demyan Mnogogryshny.

Military campaigns and religious activities

During the confrontation between Ivan Samoilovich and Petro Doroshenko, Kondratiev supported the former. He took part in the siege of Chigyrin (1674) and its defense against the troops of the Ottoman Empire (1677, 1678). Gerasim also played an important role in the Crimean campaigns (1687, 1689). After the death of his eldest son Ivan, he built the church of John the Theologian in the village of Nyza.

Obtaining a noble title

In 1687, for his services, campaigns and wounds, Gerasim Kondratiev received a noble title according to the Moscow Noble List. He founded two monasteries near Sumy and contributed to the construction of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Sumy.

Legacy and influence

Kondratiev had four sons - Grigory, Roman, Andriy and Ivan. Andriy consolidated power over the lands of the family for his descendants. Thanks to his high authority and almost unlimited power, Kondratiev was able to make the Sumy colonelship virtually hereditary.

Contribution to the noble heraldry

In 1800, the coat of arms of the Kondratiev family was entered into the General Heraldry of Noble Families of the Russian Empire, which confirmed their high status and weight in society.