Skhid

Dromology of Nihilism: Capitalism, Acceleration, Thinking

Nataliia Husieva, Mykola Lipin

The purpose of the article is to study the relationship between nihilism and acceleration in the conditions of late capitalism. The nihilistic essence of accelerating reality, which is initiated by the intensive dynamics of the innovative economy, is revealed. It is shown that in the space dominated by capitalism, nihilism unfolds as a force of emancipation, which makes it impossible to turn to authority, values or tradition in the secular world. On the contrary, such treatment only masks real nihilism under the mask of fighting it. The article considers options for determining modernity based on nihilism, war and thought. The assumption is justified, according to which, in the conditions of turning speed and mobility into new definitions of freedom, slowing down the work of thinking is able to neutralize the nihilistic potential for accelerating information and digital reality. Modern nihilism no longer involves the implementation of the project of reappraisal of values, it turns the desert as a embodied human ability to be meaningless and absent, as an ideal scheme of annihilation of human individuality, desolation (devastation), which destroys the future and presupposes atrophy of cultural memory.

The problem of justice and the duty of a warrior in the interpretation of the Bhagavad-Gita

Vitalii Matvieiev, Olga Dobrodum — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines the problem of justice and the duty of the warrior in the interpretation of the "Bhagavad-Gita" - a sacred text that is part of the Indian epic "Mahabharata." Particular attention is given to issues related to life, death, and the fulfillment of duty, i.e., following one's dharma, which should ultimately lead to spiritual perfection and liberation from samsara (the cycle of birth and death). The central element of the "Bhagavad Gita" is the discussion of the problems of war and peace, presented through the dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The authors of the article analyze the philosophical reflections presented in the "Bhagavad-Gita" on how a person can find peace and satisfaction in a world full of conflicts by following true yoga.

The article points out that the "Bhagavad Gita" also draws attention to the moral aspects of war, emphasizing the importance of a just struggle. Krishna teaches that the struggle must be just and that the sacrifices of war should not be in vain. Krishna explains to Arjuna that fighting is not an immoral act if it is done in accordance with the duty (dharma) of a warrior. The duty of a warrior is to protect truth and righteousness, even if it requires participating in battle. Krishna emphasizes that war should be the result of higher goals, such as restoring justice and order, and not for personal ambitions, profit, or revenge.

The article emphasizes that the war in the "Bhagavad-Gita" is viewed as a necessary part of the universal process, in which it is important for everyone to impeccably fulfill their duty, following their dharma, without attachment to the results of their actions, doing everything as an offering to God. The article emphasizes that the war in the "Bhagavad Gita" is a multifaceted symbol that encompasses not only the external physical battle but also the internal struggle of each person for self-awareness, true understanding of their dharma, and spiritual liberation. The publication also conveys the idea that in the context of the "Bhagavad-Gita," war represents not just a physical conflict, but a symbol of spiritual struggle. The external conflict is merely a reflection of the internal, spiritual one. The entire "Bhagavad Gita" can be perceived as an allegory of a person's struggle with their own passions, attachments, illusions, and delusions.

The article draws parallels between the teachings of the "Bhagavad Gita" and the issues of the contemporary Russian-Ukrainian war. The Russian-Ukrainian war is examined in the context of the "Bhagavad Gita" through several key concepts of this classic Indian sacred text. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that in the "Bhagavad-Gita," special emphasis is placed on ethics, the fulfillment of duty (dharma), the struggle between good and evil, as well as the issue of inner conflict and the importance of spiritual choice, even in the most challenging situations.

Formation of national identity: cultural narratives of Ukrainian history

Maryna Kolinko, Pavel Fedorchenko — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article is dedicated to exploring the impact of narratives on national identity. It examines key approaches to understanding national identity, the factors shaping its formation, and the processes of its transformation amid globalization and contemporary hybrid challenges. Particular attention is given to the Ukrainian context, specifically the role of national identity in the conditions of armed conflict and informational influence.
The study employs a range of philosophical methods, including historical-philosophical analysis, hermeneutics, dialectics, phenomenology, and critical analysis within a constructivist paradigm, enabling the tracing of the evolution of the identity concept. It is established that in Ukraine, given its postcolonial past and ongoing war, Ukrainocentric narratives of unity, resilience, and pro-Western orientation prevail over destructive Russian narratives, fostering societal consolidation, integration of internally displaced persons, and mobilization of the diaspora. However, challenges such as bilingualism, media fragmentation, and intergenerational gaps complicate the formation of a cohesive «we-identity». The study concludes that the conscious construction and sup-port of national identity as a component of national security and cultural distinctiveness are necessary, through the development of harmonized narratives, promotion of Ukraini-an-language content, media literacy, and inclusive practices.

Religious Studies Education as a Factor of Societal Religious Security in the Context of Russia's Hybrid War

Irina Lomachinska, Svitlana Khrypko, Kristina Binkivska — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article is devoted to analyzing the role of religious studies education as one of the key instruments of religious security in countering Russia's religious informational propaganda in its contemporary hybrid wars. It's noted that under the conditions of the ongoing military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the hybrid reli-gious war has become particularly acute, serving as a component of the broader hybrid strategy of the aggressor state. This type of influence is characterized by the combina-tion of religious narratives with means of informational-psychological pressure, cyber operations, and systematic support of religious institutions by Russian state structures. The primary goal of such actions is to undermine the internal stability of Ukrainian society, incite interconfessional hostility, delegitimize spiritual unity, and sacralize war by justifying it through pseudo-religious rhetoric. The significance of religious security as an important component of national security is emphasized, which should be understood as a multi-vector category that combines spiritual-cultural, legal, security, and socio-political dimensions aimed at achieving religious stability and civil peace. Religious se-curity is a component of overall societal security and the cultural-spiritual environment, encompassing legal, social, educational, informational, moral-ethical, and political aspects of regulating religious relations. The research is based on the results of a survey of Ukrainian university students, which revealed that the overwhelming majority of re-spondents (two-thirds) positively perceive the necessity of introducing educational courses on religious security and religious studies that would help better understand contemporary challenges in the religious sphere. Among learning formats, online cours-es, electronic libraries, and podcasts are popular, as they provide opportunities to acquire knowledge in an informal environment, at convenient times for listeners, in connec-tion with current events, discussions, interfaith dialogues, or social transformations.

Transformation of understanding of justice in the context of the problem of social equality: a philosophical analysis

Maksym Biryuk — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article is devoted to the analysis of the category of “justice” through the prism of the problem of social equality. It is noted that in the pre-modern naturalistic paradigm of philosophizing, where the main narratives were the correspondence of the social order to the eternal natural law, justice was associated with inequality and the principle of hierar-chy. Moreover, just hierarchy concerned both the internal spiritual qualities of the person himself, where reason should rule over passions, and the gender-social organization of society, where a man is superior to a woman, a Greek is superior to a barbarian, and so on. Within the framework of this naturalistic paradigm Plato`s and Aristotle’s approving attitude towards slavery should be understood, because from their point of view the soul itself can be slavish and cowardly by nature or, conversely, brave and freedom-loving. In the medieval paradigm of philosophizing, the conceptual connection of jus-tice-inequality is preserved; however, philosophers appeal more to divine law and divine justice. It is noted that in this epoch did emerge the concept of a “just war” as a sacred moral duty to protect the innocent. This concept of a just war remains relevant to this day, in Ukrainian military realities. In the era of the Enlightenment, with the advent of the new European paradigm of philosophizing, where the emphasis is on the rational subject and his will to power, justice began to be understood precisely as equality, as evi-denced by the philosophical tradition begun by I. Kant and continued in the twentieth century in the theories of justice of J. Rawls and J. Habermas.

Religious institutions in the transformation processes of Ukrainian identity in wartime conditions

Sviatoslav Vaskul — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyses the transformation of religiosity in Ukrainian society in the context of a full-scale war caused by the russian invasion. Against the backdrop of general European secularisation, the Ukrainian case demonstrates not a decline but, on the contrary, a revitalisation of the religious factor as a source of moral mobilisation, social support, and collective solidarity. The author demonstrates how war transforms the role of religion, extending its functions beyond ritual and institutional life into the realms of practical service, spiritual and psychological care, and humanitarian activity. Based on sociological data, the article examines the dynamics of public trust in the Church, regional and confessional characteristics of religious behaviour, as well as citizens’ expectations regarding the role of religious institutions. Examples of institutional adaptation and social service by the UGCC and the OCU are considered. The author emphasises that religiosity in wartime takes on an inclusive public dimension, contributing to healing, restoration and strengthening of national identity. The Ukrainian experience is seen as a potentially universal model of religion’s response to existential challenges, relevant also to other contexts of global instability.

The author analyses religious transformations in Ukrainian society against the backdrop of a full-scale war with russia, focusing on changing attitudes towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) as a religious structure affiliated with the aggressor state. The author considers the patterns of rejection of pro-russian church institutions as part of a broader trend towards the affirmation of Ukrainian identity, the strengthening of national unity, and the pursuit of spiritual and political sovereignty. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of draft law No. 8371, the reaction of international religious leaders, in particular Pope Francis, as well as the position of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which demonstrates an example of moral autonomy and responsible theological discourse. The text critically examines the concept of political orthodoxy as a form of quasi-religious thinking that legitimises the imperial ideology of the russian world through religious structures. The author uses the analytical category of sect to describe the activities of the UOC (MP), arguing that it is characterised by closedness, authoritarianism, ideological pressure and manipulative influence. The article highlights the need for a delicate balance between protecting national security and guaranteeing religious freedom, emphasising the socially significant role of the Church as a source of solidarity, ethical guidance and hope in times of war.

Dialogue as an Educational Principle in the "Philosophy of History" Course to Overcome Conflicts of Historical Memory in the Context of Ukraine's Humanitarian Security

Olena Aleksandrova , Yuriі Omelchenko — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The article examines the essence of dialogue and its potential application for mit-igating and/or overcoming conflicts of historical memory. Recognizing education as the foundation for social cohesion in Ukraine, the practical dimension demonstrates how Philosophy of History can be taught through dialogue and applied as a principle of social unity in addressing complex issues of historical memory and overcoming historical traumas. Such dialogue should entail: prior rational processing of historical memory content; mechanisms for overcoming opposing viewpoints; the establish-ment of a communicative space for discussing historical memory; re-evaluation of one's own "Self" and the critical analysis of personal views and beliefs, as well as one's historical memory; concessions and self-restraint in the perception of differing positions among communication participants; and the creation of consensus through the re-evaluation of alternative perspectives on historical events. Conflicts of histori-cal memory unfold across various dimensions and can be classified as: interstate; intrastate; between different social groups; and between specific social groups and the academic community. In the context of ensuring humanitarian security in Ukraine and addressing conflicts of historical memory, it is important to consider that after the war, three primary variants of social dialogue are likely to be observed within Ukrainian society: consensus as voluntary favorable attitude towards realities; inclu-sion as the opportunity for free expression of opinions; and participation as the realization of one's own ideas by interested social actors. The dominant variant form of dialogue regarding historical memory will depend on the monopoly of the current power structure, the strength of civil society, and the specifics of the social dialogue between them.

The religious factor of the Jagiellonian idea: historical origins and present-day realities

Olena Alekseienko — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article reveals the impact of the Jagiellonian idea on the development of Ukrainian culture and religion, which has deep historical roots and remains relevant in the current political and cultural realities. The author examines the peculiarities of the formation of the Jagiellonian concept formulated in the period of greatness of the Polish-Lithuanian state. The peculiarity of the political system under the rule of the Jagiellons was the ability to ensure the effective functioning of religious diversity. The Jagiellonian concept promoted the idea of creating a multinational community with a center in Poland, which included Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Belarusian and other peoples. The Jagiellonian idea promoted cultural exchange, the introduction of new religious ideas, and became an important factor in the formation of Ukrainian spiritual identity in the context of active interaction between Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Greek Catholicism. The Jagiellonian idea actively promoted education, which contributed to the preservation and spread of the Orthodox tradition. In particular, the activities of fraternal schools provided access to Western culture while supporting the Ukrainian spiritual heritage. This allowed the Ukrainian church to expand its influence and preserve its uniqueness. The article focuses on the fact that the study of the Jagiellonian idea allows us to trace its influence on the formation of modern approaches to interstate cooperation and support for Ukraine's sovereignty in the context of geopolitical instability. The transition from these ideas to the concept of the Three Seas is a natural step, since the Three Seas Initiative seeks to unite the countries of Central and Eastern Europe into a bloc that would help strengthen their independence and develop economic, political and energy cooperation. The author emphasizes that the idea of the Three Seas, supported by many European countries, in turn, underlines the desire for a stronger and more independent Central and Eastern Europe, where Ukraine should play a key role as an important strategic partner. However, the diversity of manifestations of this idea and the different interpretations of its implementation demonstrate the complexity of how to achieve genuine tolerance and unity in the face of multiple political and religious influences.

New Age as a form of individual religiosity

Iryna Shavrina , Volodymyr Skrebets — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article discusses features of individual religiosity in the context of the New Age Movement. In modern society, the structure of religiosity is undergoing significant changes as traditional religious institutions face problems with a rise in non-institutional forms of spirituality. One of the main factors contributing to the growth of non -institutional religion is the growth of secularization of society. It was this process that led to a decrease in the influence and authority of traditional religion and contributed to the revival of new ways of actualizing religiosity. The New Age Movement, combining ele-ments of different religions, philosophy, and practices, becomes a kind of an answer to this issue. The authors draw attention to key religious and spiritual tendencies that affect the individual beliefs and practices of the Movement’s participants. The philosophical, social and cultural, as well as psychological aspects of this phenomenon are analyzed. The influential factors that contribute to the emergence and development of the New Age Movement, as well as the Movement’s place and role in the modern religious landscape are discussed. The authors argue that the New Age Movement is a form of non-institutional religiosity and as such is a unifying idea for those forms of religiosity that do not fall under the paradigm of institutional religiosity. The authors argue that the in-tersections of spirituality and morality in the New Age Movement and non-institutional religions create both opportunities and problems. While this Movement offers people the freedom to explore different spiritual paths and ethical dilemmas, it also raises ques-tions regarding the nature of moral authority and the possibility of reaching a consensus on ethical principles.

Religious factors in vitalistic practices of complementary and alternative medicine

Nataliia Ishchuk, Olena Sadovnycha — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article examines the vitalistic (holistic) foundation of modern complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It substantiates that, according to the principles of holistic medicine, health is associated with the harmonization of the elements and forces that constitute human nature on both the physical and spiritual levels of existence. Regarding the religious foundations of CAM practices of Eastern origin, the systems such as yoga, Daoism, and Ayurveda perceive energy as an impersonal force that an individual can accumulate, balance, and influence through physical and spiritual exercises to achieve health, longevity, and personal self-improvement. These systems are vitalistic, as they recognize impersonal energy as the fundamental basis of existence. In contrast, the conceptual foundation of CAM practices of Western origin differs fundamentally from Eastern approaches. These practices are not rooted in Christianity, despite having emerged in countries belonging to Christian civilization. This is because, in Christianity, the source of existence is God-Person, which significantly diminishes the ontological status of impersonal energy. As a result, Western CAM practices have developed an instrumental approach to vitalistic methods, adapting many Eastern techniques to the Western cultural and anthropological context. Additionally, they are based on various personal quasi-scientific systems, such as Mesmer’s magnetism, Hahnemann’s home-opathy, Palmer’s chiropractic methods, and others. To an external observer, these methods may appear impressive. However, whether a physician chooses to incorporate them into their practice depends entirely on their personal experience and convictions.

Religious Organizations on Social Media: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects for Spiritual Communities in Ukraine

Irina Lomachіnska — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article examines the use of social networks by religious organizations in Ukraine for missionary, social, educational, spiritual, and cultural activities within the context of contemporary global challenges. The study's relevance and novelty lie in identifying the role of social networks as a driving force in modern religious practices. The concept of digital religion and its defining characteristics are analyzed. It is observed that social media play a significant role in shaping religious discourse, raising questions about the authenticity of faith and the influence of digital culture on religious experience. The study highlights the role of social networks as a vital tool for religious communication, evangelization, spiritual education, and the construction of religious identity in the digital sphere. The author evaluates both the benefits and potential risks associated with the use of social media algorithms for religious influence, which can simultaneously foster spiritual development and contribute to religious polarization. Furthermore, the article examines key official documents that regulate the use of social networks by religious organizations in Ukraine. Various forms of spiritual, educational, and socio-cultural activities conducted by leading Ukrainian religious organizations on social networks are analyzed, including online sermons and worship services, virtual prayer meetings, thematic groups for mutual spiritual support, the publication of believers' spiritual experiences, social and charitable initiatives, and the organization of religious pilgrimages and tourism. The conclusions underscore the significance of social networks not only as a critical means of communication but also as a powerful instrument for support, coordination of aid efforts, spiritual guidance, and informational resistance. In the face of global challenges, Ukrainian religious leaders actively utilize social media to fulfill both moral and spiritual missions while playing a crucial social role in fostering education and promoting civic unity during a difficult period for the country. Through their activities, they reinforce Ukrainian identity, safeguard national interests, and uphold spiritual independence.

Peculiarities of the military chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine in the conditions of modern war

Olga Nedavnya — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article examines the features of military chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine in the context of the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The structures of these Churches that are responsible for the military chaplaincy and have already gained successful experience in such activities during the war (from 2014 to the present day) are identified. The forms of training of military chaplains are determined: these are courses organized at state military higher educational institutions, trainings and classes (including ones in the self-organized School of Chaplaincy Service in the RCC) on psychological, legal, socio-humanitarian and medical issues, which complement church education and are necessary during the war both in the army when providing chaplaincy care, and in the rear – for pastoral support of veterans, wounded servicemen, and relatives of servicemen. The peculiarities of the approach to candidates for chaplaincy are highlighted: the approach of the RCC in Ukraine is that they can be secular, including women (nuns and laywomen), and they are also invited for appropriate training; the UGCC is working on a more active involvement of nuns in the chaplaincy mission. A patriotic approach to chaplaincy service has been noted not only in the UGCC, but also in the RCC in Ukraine, whose Ukrainian-centricity has been strengthened by the modern war. The forms of presentation of the instructions of military chaplains, which are addressed to the believers and all defenders of the Fatherland, are determined: they are carried out both in direct communication with soldiers and their loved ones, and in printed publications for military personnel, defenders of Ukraine: “Catechism of the Christian Warrior” (UGCC) and “Pray and Protect!” (RCC). It was found that the military chaplaincy of the UGCC and the RCC actively uses innovations, i.e. modern information and communication tools (social networks and mobile applications).

Therapeutic potential of Zen Buddhism and its practice in the Post-Anxiety Era

Oleksandr Donets

This work explores the potential of Zen Buddhist practices such as meditation, mind-fulness, and acceptance of life's variability, examining their application in contemporary psychotherapeutic programs like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The study employs a concise theoretical analysis of key Zen concepts, including emptiness (sunyata), satori (enlightenment), enso (circle symbolizing the universe), and the focus on living in the present moment. Methodological tools such as systematization, compar-ative analysis, critical reflection, and cross-cultural perspectives bridge Zen Buddhism and modern psychotherapy. Empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of Zen prac-tices in reducing anxiety by fostering awareness and cultivating inner peace. Techniques such as zazen meditation improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, and encourage the acceptance of uncertainty and life's natural fluctuations. These practices are particu-larly effective in addressing anxiety linked to fears of the future and a lack of control. Studies also highlight the impact of Zen practices on neurophysiological activity, show-ing improvements in brain function and overall psycho-emotional well-being. Programs like MBSR, which integrate meditative practices and mindfulness, demonstrate signifi-cant benefits in reducing anxiety symptoms and promoting mental health. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors, including commitment to prac-tice and cultural adaptability. Despite these limitations, Zen Buddhism offers a holistic framework that complements conventional therapeutic methods.
In conclusion, Zen Buddhism provides valuable tools for managing anxiety in the post-anxiety era. Its meditation and mindfulness practices, rooted in centuries-old wis-dom, have been scientifically validated as effective for reducing stress and improving emotional stability. Incorporating Zen principles into modern psychotherapeutic ap-proaches can significantly enhance mental health, increase resilience to stress, and fos-ter a sense of harmony with oneself and the world. These timeless practices offer a pathway to greater inner peace and well-being, addressing the urgent need for effective mental health strategies in today's fast-paced and uncertain world.

Ethno-confessional map of religious education in Ukraine

Evgeniy Deinega — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article explores the regional aspects of the formation of the religious environment in Ukraine within the field of education. The author analyzes contemporary research by Ukrainian scholars, particularly their academic works and publications that highlight various aspects of religious education. The study differentiates the concept of "religious education," examines the educational programs of religious educational institutions, and assesses their representation on the Internet. The research establishes the correlation between the historical continuity of religious education in Ukrainian territories and the modern educational landscape of the state.

The article provides a historical overview of the religious, cultural, and political factors that have influenced the development of denominational life in Ukraine. It describes the coexistence of representatives of various denominations, including Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Protestants, while also analyzing the presence of other religious movements such as Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Krishnaists. The historical prerequisites for the formation of a specific religious-educational space in Ukrainian lands are examined in the context of the legal and regulatory framework governing the activities of denominational educational institutions. The study identifies the key characteristics of religious education in Ukraine. Furthermore, the article systematizes information on the distribution of educational institutions, programs, and practices that take into account the ethnic and denominational structure of the population across different regions. The study emphasizes Ukraine’s significant role as a platform for interdenominational and intercultural dialogue.

Ethnomental dimensions of the education process in Eastern Christianity

Mykola Stadnyk — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article explores the ethnomental dimensions of the educational process within Eastern Christianity. It examines the historical context of the issue by substantiating the factors influencing the formation of ethnomental characteristics among different nations and highlights the role of education in preserving and transmitting the cultural traditions and values of Eastern Christianity. The study analyzes the perspectives of prominent scholars of religion regarding the role of religious and theological education in contemporary educational practices and the broader cultural landscape of the Ukrainian community.

The article emphasizes that, within the framework of Eastern Christianity, the ethnomental aspects of religious cognition are considered through key interrelations: religion and education, religion and knowledge, faith and reason. In the traditions of Eastern Christianity, particularly in Byzantine, Orthodox, Armenian, and other Eastern Churches, education has always been closely linked to religion. The educational process was aimed at integrating knowledge into an individual’s worldview system, orienting them toward the moral and ethical principles of Christianity.A crucial role in this process was played by theological education, which, within the Eastern Christian tradition, focused on an in-depth understanding of the Holy Scriptures and the Sacraments. The study of theology was not limited to mere intellectual analysis; rather, it served as a foundation for shaping confessionally determined life orientations. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the worldview processes unfolding at the intersection of religion, education, and the formation of national identity.

Usage of Digital Platforms in Promoting Pastoral Communication in Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article presents the findings of a study on the use of digital platforms in promoting pastoral communication within the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model as the theoretical framework for this research, the researchers gathered both qualitative and quantitative data from clergy and church members of the Anglican com-munity residing in the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula and comprised 384 individuals at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error for the sample. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling. Eighteen (18) participants were purposively select-ed from the clergy of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri for the study. The researchers made the following key findings: clergy in the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri utilize digital platforms to some extent for pastoral communication; however, they rely more heavily on television and radio for this purpose. Consequently, the adoption of digital media platforms is very minimal. The reasons for this situation were identified as: 1) insufficient security of digital platforms against fraudulent messages, 2) inadequate technological capabilities for broad-casting pastoral services (preference for WhatsApp, Facebook, and email newsletters among platform users), 3) clergy's apprehension that electronic communication will reduce the physi-cal presence of parishioners in church.Recommendations for the clergy in the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri and pastors in Imo State regarding the use of digital platforms include: 1) transitioning to more secure and capacious platforms for electronic communication, such as Telegram and YouTube for live streaming; 2) more actively utilizing the potential of digital platforms for convenient communication, without limiting it to church members only; 3) training technical personnel to effectively use digital platforms for a wider audience and to counter cyber threats; 4) expanding the formats of personal meetings with church members.

Therapeutic potential of Zen Buddhism and its practice in the Post-Anxiety Era

Oleksandr Donets — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This work explores the potential of Zen Buddhist practices such as meditation, mind-fulness, and acceptance of life's variability, examining their application in contemporary psychotherapeutic programs like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The study employs a concise theoretical analysis of key Zen concepts, including emptiness (sunyata), satori (enlightenment), enso (circle symbolizing the universe), and the focus on living in the present moment. Methodological tools such as systematization, comparative analysis, critical reflection, and cross-cultural perspectives bridge Zen Buddhism and modern psychotherapy. Empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of Zen practices in reducing anxiety by fostering awareness and cultivating inner peace. Techniques such as zazen meditation improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, and encourage the acceptance of uncertainty and life's natural fluctuations. These practices are particularly effective in addressing anxiety linked to fears of the future and a lack of control. Studies also highlight the impact of Zen practices on neurophysiological activity, show-ing improvements in brain function and overall psychoemotional wellbeing. Programs like MBSR, which integrate meditative practices and mindfulness, demonstrate signifi-cant benefits in reducing anxiety symptoms and promoting mental health. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors, including commitment to practice and cultural adaptability. Despite these limitations, Zen Buddhism offers a holistic framework that complements conventional therapeutic methods.
In conclusion, Zen Buddhism provides valuable tools for managing anxiety in the post-anxiety era. Its meditation and mindfulness practices, rooted in centuries-old wis-dom, have been scientifically validated as effective for reducing stress and improving emotional stability. Incorporating Zen principles into modern psychotherapeutic approaches can significantly enhance mental health, increase resilience to stress, and fos-ter a sense of harmony with oneself and the world. These timeless practices offer a pathway to greater inner peace and well-being, addressing the urgent need for effective mental health strategies in today's fast-paced and uncertain world.

Mark Egart’s Travel Writings: Anthropology and Religion in Altai

Vitalii Shchepanskyi — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article analyzes the anthropological and religious aspects of Mark Egart's travel essays, which focus on the indigenous peoples of Altai during the Soviet collectivization of the 1930s. His book “The Ferry: Sketches of the Struggle for Socialism in the Altai Mountains” (1932) is examined as a valuable source that combines literary and ethnographic techniques to illuminate the profound cultural and religious transformations brought about by Soviet modernization. The study highlights shamanism, Burhanism, and everyday practices, through which Egart explores the interaction between traditional belief systems and Soviet ideological processes. Special attention is given to the methods Egart used to document the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage, as well as to how he integrated ideological narratives into his ethnographic descriptions. The article emphasizes the duality of Egart’s position: on one hand, he meticulously records the cultural specificities of the region; on the other, he interprets them through the lens of Soviet ideological paradigms, portraying traditions as relics of the past to be modernized. The study's findings evaluate Egart’s contribution to shaping the perception and literary image of the indigenous peoples of Altai through the interplay of anthropology, religion, and politics in the context of Soviet history. His travel essays are presented as an important source for understanding the dynamics of cultural change and the influence of ideology on traditional communities.

Participation of the municipal self-government of Katerynoslav in the development of secondary education at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century

Vadym Korobka, Yuliia Korobka — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The article examines the involvement of Katerynoslav's municipal self-government in the development of secondary education during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was found that municipal institutions in Katerynoslav began directly contributing to secondary education relatively late, primarily due to the constraints of the municipal budget. The study highlights that, under existing legislation, the establishment of women's gymnasiums was the most feasible field for municipal self-governments to implement educational initiatives in secondary education. Organizing such gymnasiums enabled municipal bodies to actively participate in managing educational institutions. The research demonstrates that the women's pro-gymnasium, which was later upgraded to a full gymnasium, serves as a prominent example reflecting the challenges faced by municipal self-governments in advancing secondary education. This case also vividly illustrates the process of acquiring valuable experience, thereby enriching the historical memory of educational development. The primary funding source for both the pro-gymnasium and the gymnasium was tuition fees. Significantly, the most substantial progress in municipal women's secondary education occurred after 1907, when Katerynoslav's municipal self-government, benefiting from new budgetary revenues, facilitated the operation of three women's gymnasiums and one real school. These institutions were provided with dedicated facilities constructed using municipal funds. However, alongside these positive developments, challenges emerged, including increased individual tuition fees for female students in Yekaterinoslav and occasional refusals of admission due to limited vacancies.

Language policy of Ukraine and its representation in social doctrines of the Orthodox churches

Mykola Shkriblyak — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The article provides a critical analysis of the leading ideas and fundamental principles of the social doctrine (teachings) of the Orthodox churches operating in Ukraine and interprets the key dominants and the specifics of their implementation of the strategic goals of the state language policy in Ukraine. The main aim is to investigate the problems of the reception of the state language strategy by Orthodox communities with different jurisdictions and to clearly clarify and justify the risks and dangers arising from the attitude to the language policy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is under the canonical subordination of the Mosokovsky Patriarchate. As a result of the study, it was proved that the role and place of Orthodox communities in the implementation of the strategic goals of language policy in Ukraine is different. Their participation in the process of implementation of the state language policy is equally ambiguous, and even openly contradictory in terms of ideological and value orientation and methods of implementation. In the case of the activity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, it is subversive, anti-state, harmful and poses a threat to the national security of Ukraine. The material of the article has important theoretical and practical significance in view of the integral critical justification of the state language strategy of the UOC MP and OCU as dominant vector-oriented politically oriented Orthodox jurisdictions, which is actualized in the conditions of modern challenges and leading trends and, in particular, due to the need to implement the life of legal norms, defined by the Law of Ukraine "On the protection of the constitutional system in the sphere of activities of religious organizations".

Orthodox dominant of preservation of national memory in the material and spiritual culture of the Ukrainian people

Evgeniy Deinega — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The article explores how collective memory shapes a unique cultural environment within the modern Ukrainian state. National identity is presented as a key condition for the survival of the Ukrainian people and the preservation of their cultural and historical heritage. One of the study's central themes is the Orthodox tradition, which has religious and cultural potential that extends beyond a purely religious framework. The historical development of Orthodox influence is evident in local educational practices, political life, and Ukrainians' self-determination across different periods. The article also examines the impact of Catholic dominance on the collective memory and self-consciousness of the local population during engagements with the Western world. It highlights the responses of Orthodox communities, particularly their efforts to safeguard spiritual traditions in reaction to Catholic expansion in the region. Key concepts such as "memory space," "cultural memory," and "reference points" are analyzed to explain the mechanisms through which traditional ways of life are preserved via texts, rituals, holidays, and other cultural practices. Particular emphasis is placed on the ethno-mental triangle of "paganism - Byzantine Christianity - religious syncretism in the form of Ukrainian Orthodoxy" and the triad "empire - Soviet period - independence," which is proposed as a framework for interpreting Ukraine's extended cultural and historical periods. The article also highlights the unique characteristics of restoring religious structures in the post-Soviet era and examines their connections to Eastern European religious and cultural traditions. In spiritual culture, sacred texts are emphasized, while in material culture, differences in architectural styles reflecting various cultural traditions are analyzed. These buildings showcase aesthetic preferences and the ideological and value orientations of their respective eras. Finally, the article emphasizes the cultural potential of national memory in shaping new ideological concepts. This is exemplified by the celebration of Kyiv's 1500th anniversary in 1982 and the contemporary Ukrainian state's use of Cossack heritage, which remains highly relevant in addressing modern challenges.

The phenomenon of Sobornist in the context of civilizational discourses of Ukrainian orthodoxy

Nataliia Ishchuk — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The article examines the authentic (Orthodox) dimension of the phenomenon of Sobornist. It argues that the conciliar (soborny) paradigm offers a complex ideological construction of unity in diversity. Theoretically, this is the ideal of harmony within the Orthodox Church and Orthodox community. Practically, due to a series of ideological distortions, it cannot be realized either in ecclesial or social existence. It is substantiated that in historical retrospect, in Orthodox countries, the source of these distortions was the cultural-civilizational complex of Byzantism (Byzantinism). A number of “social sins” of Byzantism, namely the Caesaropapal subordination of the Church to the state, the statist exaggeration of the historical role of certain countries and peoples, and the devaluation of human personality, absolutized the principle of unity through pressure on diversity. The importance of considering the role of socio-cultural and political factors of different nations and countries in the self-expression of Byzantism on national soil is proven. In the case of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, it is about the tradition of “Kyivan Christianity,” which had several specific traits that laid the foundation for the legitimization of both unity and diversity, somewhat minimizing the distortion of the conciliar (soborny) ideal in the life of the Church and the community. On the contrary, russian Orthodoxy and russian religious philosophy, through the cultivation of the statist component of Byzantism, legitimized russian imperialism. Its current form—the ideology of the “russian world,” with an emphasis on the violent “gathering of lands”—embodies an anti-soborny social paradigm.

A Study of Social Memory and Forgetting by Paul Connerton: Mechanisms and Tools

Tetiana Kuprii — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

This research is dedicated to the phenomenon of social memory and its component, social amnesia, as revealed in the works of the British sociologist and philosopher Paul Connerton. The author explores the identified types of social forgetting in the researcher's concept, analyzes the factors that give rise to them, and the mechanisms and tools for including the phenomenon in the metaphysics of social being and reality. The study highlights the significant contribution of this renowned sociologist to the theoretical exploration of social memory, social time, and social amnesia as factors in historical processes and as sociocultural determinants of sociogenesis.) The process of reflection of societal forgetting is interpreted as a rejection or removal from social and cultural memory of a reliable social assessment of the significance of these phenomena and facts. Spontaneous manifestations of social amnesia are inevitable in history, periodically projecting in society the need to temporarily relieve itself of the weight of comprehensive historical memory and responsibility. In this case, it has a functional aspect, being one of the mechanisms of psychological self-defense of society. It has been shown how society and the state, driven by their own needs, utilize instruments of social preservation to structure and construct their memories, endowing them with new interpretations to address various objectives. Each generation independently reshapes collective memories of the past; some of these memories become prominent in the current generation's mentality, while others are suppressed and undergo amnesia. The study examines models of sociocultural reproduction, highlighting Paul Connerton's interpretation of the possibility of social forgetting in its contemporary forms. The author concludes that, whereas in ancient societies disruptions in social memory were primarily effected through the physical eradication of groups and the destruction of written records, the modern era's cultural framework inherently facilitates and necessitates discontinuities in social memory and social forgetting.

Mythological narratives of Japanese animation: the memory of the collective unconscious in the culture of consumerism

Roman Vorobei — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The article explores the use of mythological narratives in Japanese animation as part of collective memory in the context of consumer culture. The author analyses symbolic and archetypal images in popular animated works such as Spirited Away, Gyakkyō Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, Death Note and Death Parade, which reflect the transformation of values, the crisis of freedom and the loss of authenticity in the context of the modern consumer society. Particular attention is paid to the idea of consumption as a new religion that creates a cult of material wealth and status, and its impact on the formation of public consciousness. The article examines how Japanese animation uses ancient mythological motifs and archetypes of the collective unconscious to criticise consumerism, but at the same time these motifs are often integrated into the system of consumption, becoming part of it. The work aims to explore the dual role of mythological narratives: as a means of criticism and as an element that reproduces consumer culture, and their significance in the philosophical understanding of the modern world.

Language and Language Policy as Instruments for Shaping National Identity

Pavel Fedorchenko — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0200

This article presents a philosophical analysis of the interconnection between language, national and personal identity, and the role of the modern Ukrainian elite in the context of Ukraine’s language policy. It examines the philosophical aspects of forming national identity through language, the impact of social changes on identity, and the contradictions in the views of various authors on these issues. A novel methodological approach is applied, based on the theoretical and methodological concept of J. Derrida, which demonstrates a transition from the language of identities to the language of differences in both ontological and epistemological dimensions of research. The prioritization of the procedure of differentiation over the search for identity leads to an innovative interpretation of the concept of unity through the combination and coexistence of social diversity. The cultural unity of the nation emerges as a construct founded on the significant presence of diverse subjects that create a shared cultural and political world. Drawing on the works of B. Azhnyuk, V. Kulyk, O. Lytvynchuk, and M. Piren, it analyzes contemporary approaches to understanding language policy, its European foundations, and its influence on Ukraine’s state-building processes. The role of the elite in consolidating society and implementing democratic reforms is highlighted, with specific examples and proposals for improving language policy. The article also identifies prospects for further research in this area.