SOURSES AND PREREQUISITES FOR THE FORMATION OF THE ORTHODOX ETHICS OF PEACE

Abstract

This article analyses the underlying factors in the development of Orthodox peace ethics. Contemporary documents of the Orthodox Churches, which set out their social teachings on war and peace, and even more so the statements and speeches of church leaders regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, reflect significant differences in approaches to peace ethics and issues of war. The article notes that the Orthodox perspective is characterized by diversity and uncertainty; Orthodoxy lacks a systematic methodology for addressing the ethical, theological and socio-political issues associated with war and peace. However, socio-historical factors have been identified that explain this trend. The author argues that this is facilitated by the general ecclesiastical structure of Orthodoxy, which complicates the formation of a shared vision of social problems, given the different social, political and historical contexts in which autonomous and autocephalous churches operate. Furthermore, historically established features of relations between Orthodox churches and state authorities play a role. The author also analyses the ideological origins of Orthodox peace ethics, drawing on the biblical narrative and the Eastern Christian theological heritage, specifically the ideas of the most prominent figures who formulated their reflections on issues of war and peace from an ethical perspective, namely Basil the Great and Gregory Palamas. The article notes that the Eastern Christian patristic heritage, together with liturgical practice and theological works, does not constitute a fully systematized doctrine, yet it provides a rationale and normative guidelines for the Orthodox response to the challenge of war