The Intertwining of Religion and Nationalism in the Struggle for an Autocephalous Status for Ukrainian Orthodoxy

Abstract

The study focuses on the long-term struggle for an autocephalous statusfor Ukrainian Orthodoxy and also on the links between religion andnationalism. Theoretically it is based primarily on Rogers Brubaker’sconcept of religion as imbricated or intertwined with nationalism. However,particular forms of such intertwining are modified by the author, given thenature of the case being researched. The identified forms of overlappingand intertwining appear to be essential, and important for understandingthe actions of major actors. The study highlights that the ideological basisof the conflict over the autocephaly of Ukrainian Orthodoxy is a clash of twohistorical-religious mythologies, which serve as an example of intertwiningof religion and nationalism. They also have the potential to significantlyshape not only the ecclesiastical or religious scene of Ukraine and theRussian Federation, but also the concepts of national identity and valueattitudes of inhabitants of both countries.