ORTHODOXY IN UKRAINE: SPECIFIC TRAITS AND FEATURES
KRASILNIKOVA Olena,
PhD in History, Associate Professor at the Philosophy and Social Sciences Department of Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics
ORTHODOXY IN UKRAINE: SPECIFIC TRAITS AND FEATURES
Background. With the proclamation of independence of Ukraine, study of the phenomenon of the Ukrainian Orthodoxy has become more relevant. However, the question of historical sources and specific manifestations of Ukrainian Orthodoxy needs further study.
The aim of the article is to determine the characteristics of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in historical context.
Materials and methods. A number of general and specific methods of scientific knowledge, including problem-chronological, comparative historical and systemic structural methods have been used to study the features of Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Results. In the process of the historical development the Orthodox Church in Ukraine has undergone considerable influence of ethnic factors. This is reflected in the ritual area, the system of church holidays, shaping its theological tradition, language, church singing, architecture, iconography, priests clothes. This allows us to talk about the formation of the special features of Ukrainian orthodoxy. The characteristic features of Ukrainian Orthodoxy are sobornost (unity), democracy, tolerance, performance, national character of ceremonial and religious sphere.
Conclusion. The features that have been formed in various areas of church life, give reason to consider the Ukrainian Orthodoxy as a cultural and historical phenomenon. After the submission of the Kyiv Metropolis to Moscow Patriarchate and limiting its autonomous status the absorption of traditions and rituals which was a typical for Ukrainian church happened. Distinctive features of the Ukrainian Orthodoxy served as an ideological justification and basis for the deployment of the struggle for autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine and the revival of national religious traditions.
Keywords: Ukrainian Orthodoxy, Ukrainian church, ecclesial identity, sobornost.
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