FORMATION OF A SECURE CIVIL POSITION REGARDING THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The article emphasizes the support of educators and civil society for compliance with the country's legislation for all, without exception, religious organizations, regarding the protection of freedom of religion. Based on the analysis of scientific publications and the legislation of Ukraine, the author tries to show the falsehood of Russian propaganda, which tries to violate the legislation on the part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP), to present it as state pressure on a religious organization and a ban on religious events. It is emphasized that the conflict has a political and legal dimension, not a religious one, and can be resolved through dialogue and compliance with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation.

The author sees the reason for the pro-Russian activities of the UOC MP in the fact that this church is in a church-canonical relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church, i.e. it is its structural subdivision, and therefore it must follow the orders of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is the highest Russian state leader body in the field of religion. The openly pro-Russian position of the UOC MP led to a significant reduction in church communities of this church and the growth among Ukrainians of supporters of the idea of banning the activities of the UOC MP on the territory of Ukraine.

The article suggests ways to resolve the conflict between the state and the UOC MP. Highlighting the specified problem should help civil society to understand the specifics of the relationship between the state and the UOC MP, namely, why this relationship is fundamentally different from the relationship with other religious denominations.

The article is relevant in the context of the protection of religious rights and freedoms in Ukraine and the development of civil society. The conclusions drawn may be useful for politicians, human rights defenders, educators and public figures who are interested in protecting religious rights and freedoms in modern Ukrainian society. These conclusions can become the basis for further research and development of a strategy for interaction between religious organizations and the state.