INTELLECTUAL TRADITIONS OF THE KYIVAN ORTHODOX ACADEMY IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The article examines the intellectual tradition of the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy (hereinafter – KOTA) in the context of European religious philosophy. It is proved that the philosophical heritage of the academy’s professors is important both for understanding the historical development and for the contemporary understanding of cultural and philosophical processes in Ukraine.The methodological approaches to the interpretation of the philosophical heritage of the KPBA, based on the philosophical reflections of Rector O. Trofymliuk and Metropolitan Epifaniy, are considered. The problems and challenges related to the formation of a modern Ukrainian religious identity, deconstruction of the myths of the “Russian world” and integration of religious knowledge into the broader socio-cultural context are analyzed. To study religious freedom as an indicator of democracy and human rights, an interdisciplinary approach combining historical, philosophical, religious studies, and sociological analyses is applied.The author analyzes the idea of continuing the traditions of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in the activities of the KPBA, which is an important center of religious education and science. The current stages of the Academy’s development, its transformation under the influence of the Revolution of Dignity, as well as the support of military chaplains during the military actions in Ukraine are considered separately. Attention is paid to the scientific activities of the academy, in particular the publication of the journal “Proceedings of the Kyiv Theological Academy” and the newest project “Church and Society”, which promotes dialogue between the church and modern society.The speeches of Rector O. Trofymliuk and Metropolitan Epifaniy are analyzed through the prism of religious studies concepts such as the sacralization of freedom, the politicization of religion, and the instrumentalization of faith. The concept of “religious freedom” is distinguished and its practical implementation is analyzed.The conclusions indicate that the activities of the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy are focused on preserving traditions, adapting to modern challenges, and developing a dialogue between Eastern and Western cultural traditions.The results of the study emphasize the importance of further studying and popularizing the philosophical heritage of the KPBA for the development of the Ukrainian religious and intellectual tradition.