Research on the geography of religion in Ukraine

Abstract

This article proposed a structure of geography of religion : confessional geography, sacred geography, geography of pilgrimage. This structure considers three elements: 1 ) the spatial situation of religious life in Ukraine and defined regional denominational structure ; 2 ) the geography of the sacred center The meaning of religious centers in religious life are divided into levels : national, regional, local ; and 3 ) the geography of pilgrimage – for different denominations within Ukraine, abroad from Ukraine, from abroad into the country. The general trends in the geography of religion, created in the early 21st century: 1 ) revitalization of the Moscow Patriarchate with the active support of the Russian Orthodox Church and the public authorities. This is evident in the increasing number of religious communities and the active construction of churches; 2 ) increases the number of Protestants and charismatic churches of believers; 3 ) the strengthened position of Greek Catholics; 4 ) a “return ” of some Ukrainians to ancient religious roots, promoting actually paganism (Native Ukrainian National Faith), rituals of which are reconstructed.