THE QUALITY OF LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK AND STATE ACTIONS IN REGULATING INTER-ORTHODOX CONFLICTS IN CONTEMPORARY UKRAINE

Abstract

The most serious challenge to religious life in contemporary Ukraine has been, and continues to be, the division among Orthodox churches. This problem was not resolved by the granting of the tomos of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in January 2019, because the effort to unite Ukrainian Orthodoxy into a single church at the Unification Council of 15 December 2018 was carried out inadequately. Without a thorough and well- executed unification process, progress will not be possible. This reality must be recognized by the Ukrainian authorities, the churches, civil society, the media, scholars, and all who care about the fate of our country. It must also be remembered that no one else will accomplish this task on our behalf. In this article, the author presents their own vision for resolving inter- Orthodox divisions in contemporary Ukraine. First and foremost, work on regulatory and legal documents aimed a overcoming existing inter-Orthodox contradictions should not be discontinued. The document governing this work should take into account the changes taking place in both churches and, especially, in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is gradually emerging from the spiritual dependence of the “russian world” and undergoing Ukrainization. In this regard, legislators should consider creating a mechanism for involving part of the clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the performance of chaplaincy functions in the army, police, penitentiary institutions, and similar settings. In our view, it is also necessary to adjust the existing model for changing the jurisdictional affiliation of UOC communities, which would undoubtedly have a positive impact on bringing the two churches closer at the parish level and would significantly prevent the use of force in resolving problems related to church property ownership. The idea of implementing alternating worship services of communities from both churches within the same church building also requires substantial development. The law “On Alternative (Non-Military) Service” likewise requires immediate drafting, and its mechanisms should be put into operation even before clergy are granted exemptions from military service. The implementation of these measures will contribute to the formation of a single Orthodox Church in Ukraine and, consequently, to the strengthening of peace and harmony in our society. The study of this problem has been undertaken by V. D. Bondarenko, A. M. Kolodnyi, P. M. Kraliuk, O. N. Sagan, A. I. Smyrnov, L. O. Fylypovych, Y. P. Chornomorets, and others.