Fylypovych G. Religion as a factor of national identification of Ukrainians in the diaspora

Українська версія

Thesis for the degree of Candidate of Sciences (CSc)

State registration number

0421U101155

Applicant for

Specialization

  • 09.00.11 - Релігієзнавство

16-04-2021

Specialized Academic Board

Д 26.161.03

Institute of Philosophy the H.Skovoroda National Ukrainian Academy of sciences

Essay

This dissertation investigates the role of religion and church in the process of national identification of Ukrainians abroad. Various approaches are analyzed to study history and present of the Ukrainian diaspora. The proposed methodology makes it possible to clarify the nature and essence of expatriate religious identity, to typologize the religious identity of diasporas by chronology (inherited / acquired), by socio-cultural motives (assimilation / integrational), and by the denominational division (traditional / non-traditional). Based on the characteristics of all waves of migration (economic, political, mixed) of Ukrainians abroad, the specific role of churches for each of these waves is determined including accompanying, informative, integrative, communicative, identification, etc. Using the denominational maps of foreign Ukrainians, the geography of the spread of Ukrainian Christianity in the diaspora, its church manifestations are presented. Historical facts of activity of religious organizations on preservation of Ukrainianness of the Ukrainian diaspora are resulted. The role of prominent church figures – the Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion Ogienko and the Greek Catholic Patriarch Joseph Slipyi is discussed for the ethno-denominational consolidation and identification of expatriate Ukrainians. The significance of religious organizations is revealed which, in addition to the function of integrators on the basis of religion, were the founders of various non-religious institutions (societies, associations, clubs, schools, unions, circles, ensembles, magazines and publishers, etc.). Thus, the churches joined in the preservation of the native language, historical memory, Ukrainian traditions and customs both in church and religious life and in the context of everyday life. Religious everyday life for Ukrainians in the diaspora consists of a set of experiences, ideas, and social behavior that reflect the religious views of both the religious community and its individual members. Religious everyday life can also include manifestations of collective and individual forms of religiosity, which contain both Ukrainian and specifically diasporic features. The crucial importance of Christian institutions in the integration of the Ukrainian world abroad is postulated. The general regularities of the influence of religion on the formation of consciousness and ways of life of Ukrainian migrants at different stages of their migration history are clarified. Markers of Ukrainian diaspora identity and characteristic features of diaspora religiosity are determined. The current state of the Ukrainian religious diaspora, influenced by the various waves of emigration, is outlined. The Ukrainian diaspora differs from members of other diaspora communities: despite its social heterogeneity, bilingualism, and multiculturality, it is considered a "mobilized diaspora," primarily because of the Ukrainian churches have long gathered Ukrainians and taught Ukrainian traditions and language - not so much to deny other values as to assert one's own. The problems facing Ukrainian churches abroad in modern times are discussed. Prospects for the revival of the spiritual life of both diasporas and a new wave of emigrants from Ukraine are outlined. Constructive preserve and develop Ukrainian World strategies initiated by Ukrainian churches and public organizations are proposed.

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