Prayers for Ukraine and Peace in the “Times of Tribulation and Division” Cover Image

Modlitwy za Ukrainę i o pokój „w czas próby i rozdziału”
Prayers for Ukraine and Peace in the “Times of Tribulation and Division”

Author(s): Aleksander Naumow
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Language and Literature Studies, Theology and Religion
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: liturgical prayers; war; peace; Moscow Patriarchate; Ukrainian Orthodox Church; Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate

Summary/Abstract: Based upon web-published materials, the article analyzes the eulogies composed in the ChurchSlavonic and Ukrainian languages, which have arisen following Kiev’s Maidan and its subsequent developments in the period December 2013 – December 2014. The texts under analysiscome from Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and from the Patriarchateof Moscow itself, from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate and some othertexts. Initiatives from the laity are also taken in account (e.g. Ruslana Lyžyčko). The prayers underanalysis show historical and political influences. In the Muscovite texts and in Patriarch Kirill’sstatements, the attempt to impose the idea of a Russian Commonwealth (Russkij mir) is quiteevident. This idea is based upon the unity and brotherhood of a people united by the christening ofthe Prince St. Vladimir. There are also charges brought against Greek Catholics and non-canonicalChurches. The texts composed in Ukraine are either more decisively patriotic and anti-muscovite,with statements backing the European project (the Kiev Patriarchate Ukrainian Orthodox Church),or more religious in general terms, with a plea for fundamental Christian values and declarationsof loyalty towards the State (the Moscow Patriarchate Ukrainian Orthodox Church).

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 10
  • Page Range: 197-211
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Polish
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