Author ORCID Identifier
Olena Predko - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9908-7788
Mykola Ptytsia - https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7082-8894
Abstract
This article examines the role of religious faith in the context of the russian-Ukrainian war, its impact on society, and the challenges and risks faced by religious communities and believers. The study analyzes how the war brings the issue of religious faith-seeking to the forefront, its semantic nuances, and how it transforms religious identity and the level of religiosity among the population. Special attention is given to the use of religious faith in hybrid warfare, the issue of spiritual support for both military personnel and civilians, as well as the risks associated with the politicization of religious life. The article explores the role of religious communities in fostering social cohesion and their contribution to mitigating the psychological consequences of war. At the same time, religious faith can be exploited as a tool of manipulation when used to achieve political or personal goals. It is noted that religious faith in the context of the russian-Ukrainian war manifests in a dual manner: as a source of spiritual strength, moral resistance, and the consolidation of Ukrainians, and as an instrument of manipulation and aggressive propaganda by russia. Recognizing this ambivalence enables the effective use of religion to support national unity and counter external manipulations.
Recommended Citation
Predko, Olena and Ptytsia, Mykola
(2025)
"Religious Faith in the Context of the russian-Ukrainian War: Challenges and Risks,"
Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 45
:
Iss.
6
, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2229.2639
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol45/iss6/9