The Intertwining of Religion and Nationalism in the Struggle for an Autocephalous Status for Ukrainian Orthodoxy

Abstract

The study focuses on the long-term struggle for an autocephalous status
for Ukrainian Orthodoxy and also on the links between religion and
nationalism. Theoretically it is based primarily on Rogers Brubaker’s
concept of religion as imbricated or intertwined with nationalism. However,
particular forms of such intertwining are modified by the author, given the
nature of the case being researched. The identified forms of overlapping
and intertwining appear to be essential, and important for understanding
the actions of major actors. The study highlights that the ideological basis
of the conflict over the autocephaly of Ukrainian Orthodoxy is a clash of two
historical-religious mythologies, which serve as an example of intertwining
of religion and nationalism. They also have the potential to significantly
shape not only the ecclesiastical or religious scene of Ukraine and the
Russian Federation, but also the concepts of national identity and value
attitudes of inhabitants of both countries.