Orthodox Church of Ukraine: Role in Shaping National Identity
Metropolitan Boryspil and Bohuslav Epiphanius discussed with Pavlo Klimkin the importance of religion for Ukrainian society during the war and the role of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) in shaping national identity.
In his interview with former Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, Metropolitan Epiphanius, a hierarch of the OCU and speaker of the Holy Synod, emphasized the persistent interest in faith during the war, when the usual foundations of society are being tested. He noted that the church plays an important role in preserving national identity and strengthening the resilience of the state.
Discussing religion as a geopolitical factor, Epiphanius highlighted the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), questioning its true nature as a religious institution, arguing that the “Russian world” resembles more an ideology than a theological concept. This, in his opinion, creates a contradiction with the basic principles of faith in God.
The metropolitan also addressed the question of whether the Moscow Patriarchate can maintain its positions in the face of the challenge from the OCU, and emphasized the possible consequences for Ukraine and Russia in the event of a victory for the Ukrainian church in this struggle.
| Topic | Description |
| Role of OCU | Shaping Ukraine’s national identity |
| Interest in faith during the war | Increased interest despite the war |
| ROC | Russian world as an ideology |
| Future of the Moscow Patriarchate | Possible consequences of lost influence in Ukraine |
