The dynamics of intra-Orthodox relations in Ukraine in the situation of the russian-Ukrainian war

Abstract

The article examines the changes in the Orthodox world caused by Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. Considerable attention is paid to the geographical location of the Ukrainian state at the crossroads of East and West, which determines the specificity of geopolitical and religious processes in the region. Attention is focused on the historical context of the development of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, the meaning of the concept of “canonical territory”, the attitude of former empires to lost territories is considered; prospects for further dialogue between Ukrainian Orthodox churches are outlined. The process of formation of the national mentality of Ukrainians and thus the formation of a single political and spiritual space, the features of which are a reflection of the dominant national type, is considered. The geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the Western world, whose technological parity stimulates ideological confrontation, and which is often broadcast by Russia through religious narratives, is highlighted. The study compares the position and perception of the russian federation regarding the spiritual environment of Ukraine with the real self-perception of the Ukrainian clergy and believers. The rhetoric of the highest church leadership of Russia at the beginning of the military intervention, as well as the reaction of representatives of the local church and flock to it, is critically evaluated. Attention is paid to the reaction of foreign churches to the events in Ukraine. The problem of the transition of Ukrainian dioceses under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church in the occupied territories is highlighted. The materials of the article are aimed at forming a comprehensive idea of the recent history of Ukraine and its Church.