Christian religious philanthropy as a spiritual determinant of national resilience under conditions of war

Abstract

The article explores the development of Christian religious philanthropy amidst the full-scale war. Its relevance stems from the fact that religious organizations in contemporary Ukraine serve as key providers of humanitarian assistance, integrating social support with practices of solidarity, mutual aid, and spiritual-moral guidance. The purpose of the study is to identify the essential components of Christian religious philanthropy as a spiritual determinant of national resilience. The methodological framework is based on systemic and comparative approaches, as well as the case-study method; the empirical basis is complemented by a questionnaire survey. The novelty of the research lies in the application of a comprehensive academic perspective to interpreting religious philanthropy as a significant factor contributing to national resilience during wartime and to the broader process of societal recovery in the post-war period. The Conclusions emphasize that Ukrainian legislation enables religious organizations to conduct humanitarian activities directly or through charitable foundations established by them, ensuring transparency, legitimacy, and an adequate level of public trust. Regulatory requirements regarding targeted use of resources and reporting procedures minimize risks of misuse and enhance institutional accountability. Under wartime conditions, religious charity becomes closely intertwined with the protection of human rights, forming an integral element of the state’s humanitarian security. Religious institutions actively support internally displaced persons, families of military personnel, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, thereby contributing to the realization of fundamental social and humanitarian rights. The survey results confirm the high level of charitable engagement and its considerable support among the population. At the same time, the potential of these initiatives remains predominantly concentrated on one-time forms of assistance, which underscores the need to transition toward systemic philanthropy and to develop strategies for long-term recovery.