Churches in the Ukrainian Crisis

"This is a historically-grounded study of the religious dimensions of the current hostilities in Ukraine involving issues of ecclesial and national identity, church governance, conflict hermeneutics and ecumenical relations. The editors, themselves expert and leading tillers in this field, have assembled an A-list of contributing colleagues to produce a work of supremely sound scholarship that expands and elevates the understanding of the Ukrainian conflict." (Joseph Loya, Villanova University, USA ) "Media images on the 2013 Euromaidan protests regularly indicated the unexpected presence of clergymen holding huge crosses, banners, and vestments amidst demonstrators. This volume brings to light the role of religious communities during the Ukrainian crisis. By applying an interdisciplinary analysis, bringing together the fields of theology, history, canon law, and international relations, this is the first comparative study of post-Cold War mobilization of Ukrainian churches. It provides an excellent overview for scholars and policy makers alike." (Lucian N. Leustean, Aston University, UK ) "In the face of little or no media coverage whatsoever, the crisis in Ukraine continues. The essays in this book will inform and enlighten anyone interested in the historical, socio-political, and ecclesial situation in Ukraine, and the role of the Church in this ongoing struggle. For the student, teacher, and reader of international affairs and religion's impact, both past and present, I highly recommend this book." (Gregory Havrilak, Georgetown University, USA ) "This fascinating work is a precise and insightful analysis of Christian churches, which find themselves confronted by the tragic crisis in Ukraine today. This work should be read by anyone interested in the evolution of post-Soviet space, as well as by those who are concerned by the future of churches in the contemporary world." (Kathy Rousselet, Center for International Studies, Sciences Po, Paris, France)

This volume explores the churches of Ukraine and their involvement in the recent movement for social justice and dignity within the country.This volume explores the churches of Ukraine and their involvement in the recent movement for social justice and dignity within the country. In November of 2013, citizens of Ukraine gathered on Kyiv's central square (Maidan) to protest against a government that had reneged on its promise to sign a trade agreement with Europe. The Euromaidan protest included members of various Christian churches in Ukraine, who stood together and demanded government accountability and closer ties with Europe. In response, state forces massacred over one hundred unarmed civilians. The atrocity precipitated a rapid sequence of events: the president fled the country, a provisional government was put in place, and Russia annexed Crimea and intervened militarily in eastern Ukraine. An examination of Ukrainian churches’ involvement in this protest and the fall-out that it inspired opens up other questions and discussions about the churches’ identity and role in the country’s culture and its social and political history. Volume contributors examine Ukrainian churches’ historical development and singularity; their quest for autonomy; their active involvement in identity formation; their interpretations of the war and its causes; and the paths they have charted toward peace and unity.