What is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church? Introduction The name “Ukrainian Orthodox Church” generally refers to those Orthodox Christian bodies in Ukraine that trace their spiritual heritage to the apostolic faith passed down through centuries of Eastern Christian tradition. Today, two main groups identify under this name. One remains under the Moscow Patriarchate’s jurisdiction, while the other, recognized in 2019 by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, worships as the autocephalous (self-governing) Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Both strands consider themselves part of the broader Eastern Orthodox communion, which embraces the decisions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and professes the Nicene Creed (without the filioque clause). Below is a thorough exploration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s historical development, liturgical life, organizational structure, and theological distinctives. Historical Development Orthodox Christianity in the region we now know as Ukraine draws its origins from the Christianization of Kievan Rus’ in the 10th century. According to the Primary Chronicle, the formal adoption of Christianity is traditionally traced to the reign of Prince Volodymyr (Vladimir) the Great, who was baptized around 988 and subsequently encouraged his subjects to adopt the faith. Archaeological studies around Kyiv, including the remnants of early churches and manuscripts, affirm that Christian worship quickly took root. These findings support the historical reliability of ancient accounts, resonating with consistent manuscript evidence that the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) spread widely across cultural and geographic boundaries. Over centuries, ecclesiastical authority in the region shifted. Initially under the spiritual leadership of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople, Kyiv’s metropolitan seat eventually came under the authority of Moscow in 1686. Subsequent centuries of rule by the Russian Empire and later political influences shaped how the local church functioned. Despite political upheaval, the core doctrinal convictions about the deity of Christ, His bodily resurrection, and the eternal nature of the Holy Trinity (cf. John 1:1–3; Matthew 28:19) remained central to the congregations across Ukraine. In the 20th century, particularly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, calls for Ukrainian ecclesiastical independence grew stronger. While part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church continued to function under the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), moves toward autocephaly culminated in 2018 with a “Tomos of Autocephaly” being granted to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The OCU sees itself as the legitimate self-governing Orthodox jurisdiction on Ukrainian soil, though the UOC-MP still operates in parallel and retains its own hierarchs, clergy, and congregations, resulting in an ongoing ecclesiastical tension. Organizational Structure and Governance The structure of Orthodox churches, including those in Ukraine, follows the episcopal model. Each church is overseen by bishops, who in turn supervise priests and deacons serving in local parishes. Bishops gather in synods or councils to make decisions regarding doctrine, administration, and canonical matters, reflecting an ecclesial pattern that many point to as grounded in the apostolic teachings (cf. Titus 1:5). • The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) considers itself in communion with the larger Russian Orthodox Church. Its primate, historically titled “Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine,” leads the hierarchy but under the auspices of the Patriarch of Moscow. • The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), with its Tomos of Autocephaly, is composed of a Synod of Bishops, led by a Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine. This church declares itself fully self-governing and maintains direct communion with others in global Orthodoxy who recognize its autocephalous status. Though they disagree on canonical territory and autocephaly, both churches celebrate what believers hold to be the sacrament of the Eucharist, conduct baptisms, perform chrismation (confirmation), and follow the liturgical traditions developed in the Eastern Orthodox family of churches. Liturgical Traditions and Worship Orthodox worship emphasizes the beauty of liturgy, iconography, chanting, and reverence for sacraments. Common features include: 1. Divine Liturgy: Centered on the Eucharist, typically following the liturgies of St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil the Great. Scriptural readings from the Gospels and Epistles are integral, reflecting the conviction that “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16). 2. Use of Icons: Iconography, adorned in churches, is venerated (not worshiped). Icons are appreciated as visual theology, pointing believers to the Incarnation of Christ (John 1:14). 3. Church Calendar: The Julian Calendar is commonly maintained, leading to feast and fast days that may differ from Western Christian dates. Feasts such as the Nativity of Christ (Christmas) and Pascha (Easter) are celebrated with distinct hymnography and processions. 4. Language of Worship: Church Slavonic remains widely used, though more Ukrainian language elements now appear in services, especially in the autocephalous church. Key Theological Distinctives While Orthodox Christians share key doctrines with other ancient traditions—affirming the Trinity (Matthew 28:19), the deity of Christ (Hebrews 1:8), and the reality of Christ’s bodily resurrection (Luke 24:39)—Orthodoxy also emphasizes: • Holy Tradition and Scripture: Both groups of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church uphold Tradition alongside the Bible, reflecting a classic Orthodox outlook that Tradition upholds and clarifies scriptural teaching. As they understand it, Scripture is the inspired Word of God, and Tradition is the living faith passed down through the ages (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:15). • Mysteries (Sacraments): They refer to sacraments as “mysteries,” with particular devotion to the Eucharist. The classic list includes Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Marriage, Ordination, and Unction. • Ascetic Practices and Monasticism: Monastic traditions are historically strong in Ukraine, exemplified by the famous Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Pilgrims can still see ancient cave churches forming part of that monastic complex—an archaeological testimony to centuries of faithful worship. Role in Ukrainian Society and Culture Ukrainian Orthodox churches have wielded significant influence in the religious, cultural, and social spheres of the nation. Monasteries produced religious art, manuscripts, and the earliest forms of written Ukrainian. In realms of charity, the churches often manage social services for the needy, reflecting the biblical mandate “to remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). Cathedrals such as Saint Sophia in Kyiv, dating from the 11th century, stand as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These structures, with their preserved mosaics and frescoes, serve as architectural witness to a long-standing Christian heritage. Many in Ukraine see these monumental churches not only as places of worship but also as guardians of national and cultural identity. Modern Dynamics and Challenges In contemporary Ukraine, tensions sometimes arise between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine over property rights, parochial affiliations, and ecclesiastical identity. Political influences also factor in, particularly during conflicts affecting the broader region. Meanwhile, both communities continue in fundamental agreement on core theological truths, as they recite the Nicene Creed and commemorate Christ’s saving work on the cross. The question of ultimate ecclesiastical jurisdiction remains sensitive, but the commitment to worship the Triune God unites these faithful. Scriptural Reflections Even as questions of autocephaly and ecclesiastical governance persist, Scripture calls believers to unity in Christ (John 17:21). The Body of Christ extends beyond national boundaries and denominational lines, for “there is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4–5). In that spirit, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in its various expressions, endeavors to continue the legacy of faith inherited from the earliest Christians. Conclusion The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, understood broadly, represents a centuries-long tradition of Eastern Orthodox faith that took root in Kievan Rus’ and evolved through shifting political realities. Its worship life, grounded in rich liturgical practice, highlights the exaltation of the Triune God and the commemoration of Christ’s resurrection. Archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, and UNESCO-protected sites stand as historical markers of a thriving Christian witness in Ukraine. While jurisdictional matters and modern controversies can spark debate, these do not overshadow the central Christian confession that unites believers: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). This resurrection is the cornerstone of faith and hope, pointing all churches, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, toward the enduring truth of life and salvation in the risen Lord. |
    |