The war waged by Russia against Ukraine has drastically altered the religious landscape of the country, intensifying interconfessional and state-church relations. This research evaluates the unique aspects of religious tension caused by the war and its impact on the future of Ukraine's religious environment.
The war prompted the Ukrainian government to implement measures restricting or banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) affiliated with Russia. These actions have been viewed by many as a necessary tool in the fight against Russian influence, contributing to the delegitimization of the UOC within state structures. However, these measures have sparked significant international criticism, with some human rights organizations and foreign governments accusing Ukraine of overstepping religious freedoms. Critics argue that the banning of religious institutions, even those with direct ties to the Russian government, could violate the principle of religious liberty and create tension with international norms on freedom of worship, raising concerns about the broader implications for Ukraine's commitment to religious freedom.
The process of freeing Ukrainian Orthodoxy from the control of the Moscow Patriarchate continues. The declaration of "independence" of the UOC MP in 2022 was not recognized by the global Orthodox community, and ongoing discussions revolve around its real ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). Legislative initiatives have been introduced, aimed at limiting the activities of institutions connected with the Moscow Patriarchate, including the potential renaming of the UOC MP. While these steps are seen by some as vital to the country’s spiritual and national independence, there is also a growing rejection of Russian religious traditions, liturgical language, symbols, and narratives that support the "Russian World" ideology. Civilian pressure has intensified, with revelations about the UOC MP's connections to Russian intelligence services and its involvement in information warfare. However, these developments have also led to internal divisions within Ukrainian society. Some Ukrainian Orthodox believers view the dismantling of the UOC MP as an infringement on their personal and religious rights, which complicates the narrative of total societal consensus.
Mass transitions of parishes from the UOC to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) have become an unprecedented phenomenon, reflecting the political, social, and spiritual transformations in the country. This shift has been largely driven by the desire to distance from Russian influence, strengthen national identity, and restore spiritual independence. By the end of 2022, over 1,000 parishes had transitioned to the OCU, marking a significant break from the Moscow Patriarchate. However, critics contend that while these transitions are framed as a spiritual movement, political and nationalistic motives may also be at play. The Ukrainian Orthodox community is deeply divided on the issue of ecclesiastical allegiance, and some argue that the political context may overshadow purely spiritual considerations.
The departure from Russian religious influence is part of the broader decolonization process in Ukraine. This includes the growing role of the OCU, increased attention to religious freedom, and a shift in attitudes toward spiritual values within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The OCU’s chaplaincy has become a crucial part of military life, replacing the declining role of the ROC chaplains. In 2023, OCU chaplains served on the front lines, providing spiritual support and humanitarian aid, a clear indication of the church’s involvement in the country’s defense. While this development is seen positively by many, there are concerns that the politicization of the church could compromise its role as a neutral spiritual entity. Some argue that this shift risks diminishing the ecumenical nature of Ukrainian Orthodoxy and blurring the line between faith and national politics.
Support for Russian aggression by the ROC has led to its isolation on the international stage. The role of independent Orthodox patriarchates, particularly the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, has strengthened, undermining the authority of the ROC in the Orthodox world. In 2022, the Ecumenical Patriarchate recognized the OCU’s independence, further diminishing the Moscow Patriarchate's influence. This recognition, however, has not been without controversy. The ROC and its supporters accuse the Ecumenical Patriarchate of meddling in the internal affairs of the Orthodox Church, and the move has raised concerns about the unity of the Orthodox world.
In response to the challenges of the war, religious communities have adapted by turning to online services, developing underground ministries in occupied territories, and utilizing mobile chapels and volunteer religious initiatives. These actions highlight the resilience of Ukrainian religious institutions in wartime, showing their capacity for flexibility and resourcefulness. However, some international observers raised concerns about the increasing involvement of the state in religious affairs. This trend is seen by some as blurring the lines between faith and politics, raising questions about the autonomy of religious institutions and the potential risks of state interference in spiritual matters.
The war has become a catalyst for profound changes in Ukraine's religious life. The delegitimization of the Moscow Patriarchate, the transition of parishes to the OCU, the strengthening of national religious institutions, the transformation of military chaplaincy, and the isolation of the ROC are reshaping the confessional map of the country and influencing global religious relations. The religious decolonization of the UOC MP is part of the broader process of Ukraine's liberation from imperial influences. However, this process is also met with critiques regarding the politicization of religion, the marginalization of dissenting voices, and concerns about the future role of the church in a rapidly changing socio-political context. The creation of a new, independent spiritual identity for the nation remains a contentious and complex journey.
The war waged by Russia against Ukraine has profoundly reshaped the country’s religious landscape, intensifying interconfessional and state-church relations. This research examines the ongoing process of delegitimizing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) affiliated with Russia and the broader decolonization of Ukraine’s religious sphere. While state measures to limit Moscow-linked religious influence are seen as essential for national security, they have also raised concerns about religious freedoms. The mass transition of parishes to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) reflects both spiritual and political motivations. Additionally, the growing role of the OCU in military chaplaincy underscores its expanding societal influence. Internationally, the Russian Orthodox Church faces isolation, further shifting Orthodox dynamics. This study explores the tensions between national security, religious autonomy, and international norms, analyzing how the war is reshaping Ukraine’s confessional identity while raising complex questions about faith, politics, and decolonization.