Місіонерська та культурно-просвітницька діяльність релігійних організацій на Донеччині в сучасний період (кін. 90-х ХХ ст. - поч. ХХІ ст.)

Abstract

The paper reviews some methods of carrying out missionary, cultural and educational activities by religious organizations of Donetsk Region in context of modern realities of social development. Among activities aimed to strengthen influence on ordinary citizens, various church communities generally use such methods as promotion of communications with society (advocacy) and creation of a positive image through various actions both among supporters of their religion and neutrally disposed outsiders. Among missionary activities there dominates awareness-raising. The paper gives examples of missionary and cultural activities in Donetsk Region. An attempt is made to determine efficiency of different types of missionary, cultural and educational activities in order to attract attention of society and its individual representatives. Different religious organizations carry out cultural activity in a different way, however more active organizations and those enjoying greater support of local authorities turn away from campaigns of Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate such as the God's Sparkle, Red Easter etc. Further, an increase in number of actions aimed at establishment of interdenominational dialogue and cooperation has been observed.