“There is tension, we see it in everyday life, on the streets,” he told DW Chief Rabbi Slomo Baxt, who lives in Odessa. “We also see that Ukrainians feel more patriotic than they did ten years ago. They identify much more strongly with their country, they are willing to fight to defend it … “
The concentration of Russian troops on the border and the threat of invasion do not leave indifferent the religious communities in Ukraine, a country of 40 million, which appears divided.
Traditionally, Ukraine, or at least 60% of the population, belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church. But in the west of the country, and especially in the Lviv region, near the border with Poland, live millions who profess faith in the “Greek Catholic” Church and recognize the Pope, although their function follows the external formulas of Orthodoxy. At the same time, smaller groups of Protestants, Jews and Muslims are active in Ukraine.
Divided Orthodoxy
Since Ukraine’s independence in 1991, Orthodoxy has remained deeply divided, and division has intensified since the annexation of Crimea by the Russians. Today, many Orthodox Christians belong to the “Ukrainian Orthodox Church” (OKU), which Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomewleader of the Orthodox Church around the world, has recognized since 2018. However, this initiative provoked a strong reaction from the Russian Patriarchate in Moscow, which owns the significantly smaller “Ukrainian Orthodox Church” (UOK).
Since then, the gap between Istanbul and Moscow is deepening, while the Russian Patriarch Cyril is clearly aligned with President Vladimir Putin.
THE Regina Elsner, theologian of the Center for Oriental and International Studies based in Berlin, estimates that “so far no religious conflict has erupted, but from 2014 until today the growing influence of religion is becoming more visible”, as “the Russian Patriarchate shows a perception as hegemonic as the Russian state.” taking his sovereignty for granted. This tendency has “escalated” after the recognition of the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the theologian emphasizes.
At the moment, however, says Regina Elsner, there is a “remarkable silence” among Church leaders in both Moscow and Kiev, who are probably trying to “distance themselves from certain political issues.” However, recently the Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine Epiphanius called on the faithful to “pray for peace”, but also “not to underestimate the threat posed by Russia.” For his part, Pope Francis calls on those responsible on all sides “to do everything possible to maintain peace,” while Patriarch Bartholomew calls for dialogue based on the requirements of international law. “Weapons are not the answer. “On the contrary, they can only provoke war and violence, grief and death,” Bartholomew said. At the same time, the head of the Greek Catholic Church, Archbishop Sviatoslav Sevciuk, invited Pope Francis to visit Ukraine, arguing that a visit by the Pope could take place “even in the current circumstances” and constitute a message”.
A “difficult” visit by Pope Francis
For Regina Elsner, such a development is “not very likely”, which would add fuel to the fire and strain the already tense relations between the Churches. However, the theologian points out, it would be possible – but also desirable – for the Vatican to use the current good relations with Moscow for a common position of all the Churches, which would distance them from those seeking a military confrontation in Ukraine.
For his part, Archbishop Baxter is rather reluctant to see a possible visit by the Pope at this time. “It would certainly be a gentle gesture, but nothing more,” he told DW. “Ukraine is an Orthodox country, not a Catholic one. In my opinion, in general, it would be good if religion is not involved in political issues. “
DW / Christoph Strak / Editor: Giannis Papadimitriou
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