Political Geography: Eurasia / Topic: Christianity

Author:: Kadri Liik
Publication Date:: 05-2019
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: European Council On Foreign Relations
Abstract:: The Orthodox Church in Ukraine this year became ‘autocephalous’ – meaning it is no longer answerable to the Moscow Patriarchate Church. Autocephaly is of huge symbolic importance: for Ukraine, as a sign of political independence; for Russia, as a sign of political loss. The Kremlin and Russian Orthodox Church enjoy a close relationship, but both are biding their time and deciding what to do next. The uncertain course of events means that issues arising from autocephaly may not be settled for many years. The domestic consolidation and international recognition of the new church will not be easy or quick, but this is an irreversible change – Moscow is unable to overturn it.
Topic:: Religion, Ideology, and Christianity
Political Geography:: Russia, Eurasia, and Ukraine

Author:: Ivan Loshkarev
Publication Date:: 06-2017
Content Type:: Commentary and Analysis
Institution:: Rethinking Russia
Abstract:: Ukraine’s legislative initiatives to establish state control over religion have recently brought the fate of the Orthodox Church back into the limelight. Despite the delayed vote, the bill can be back on the Parliament’s agenda any time soon. The incumbent government voices its disapproval of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC – Moscow Patriarchate), the only canonical church in the country. This offers hope to several non-canonical religious institutions, which aspire to obtain the status of autocephalous (self-governed) churches. In early 2016, Ukraine’s religious scene was dominated by 9 Orthodox churches (including the Old Believers) and 64 autonomous Orthodox communities. The country’s biggest Orthodox Church – as measured by different criteria – remains the one aligned with Moscow.
Topic:: Government, Religion, and Christianity
Political Geography:: Russia, Europe, Eurasia, and Ukraine

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