Sacralization of the Image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Authors

Petro Kotliarov, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, UkraineFollow
Mariia Ovchar, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, UkraineFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Petro Kotliarov: https://orcid.org/0000- 0002-8917-8926

Mariia Ovchar: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3393-1966

Abstract

This article offers a multifaceted analysis of the phenomenon of the sacralization of the image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), aimed at an in-depth understanding of the influence of the Armed Forces on society and national consciousness in the context of the Russian- Ukrainian war. Sacralization implies the inoculation/infusion of holiness, of a religious or supernatural nature, into institutions or symbols, and in this context, it is studied how this process affects the perception and support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Ukrainian society. The article analyzes the role of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during military conflicts, in particular, in the context of the active phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022 and the occupation of Crimea and the war in the East of Ukraine since 2014. Support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine became a test for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and then the phenomena of the sacralization of their image began to appear. Researchers consider various aspects of sacralization, such as the use of religious rhetoric, symbols and iconography in the propaganda of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the influence of public leaders, leaders and religious figures on the formation of mythology around military achievements. The role of the media in strengthening the image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a symbol of national pride and unity is being explored. The authors seek to understand how the sacralization of the image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine affects the formation of national identity, patriotic attitudes, and military culture in Ukraine. Sacralization can have both positive and negative consequences, as well as possible risks of its abuse and manipulation. The study provides an opportunity to enrich the discussion about the role of military institutions in the formation of modern Ukrainian identity, culture, national unity and patriotism. The roles and formation of the image of General Valery Zaluzhny, the Heavenly Hundred, Heroes of Ukraine, the Ghost of Kyiv, and their gradual sacralization by the public are clarified. The priests of the OCU and the UGCC actually support the process of sacralization and honor the Heroes of Ukraine. Churches call on people to pray for the fallen soldiers and their families, and also build monuments, chapels, temples in honor of the heroes of Ukraine.

Recommended Citation

Kotliarov, Petro and Ovchar, Mariia (2023) "Sacralization of the Image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 43 : Iss. 7 , Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2148.2466
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol43/iss7/12