In Ukraine - United we stand

THE FULL-SCALE Russian invasion has transformed Ukraine’s religious landscape, accelerating the shift toward spiritual independence and unification while highlighting the resilience of religious communities in the face of aggression. Yet the war has also exacerbated existing divisions and heightened the politicisation of religion, creating long-term challenges for interfaith relations and national unity.

Orthodox grassroots initiatives in Ukraine have played a vital role in mediating the multifaceted crisis triggered by the Russian invasion. These initiatives, rooted in local communities and often independent of hierarchical church structures, have addressed both the spiritual and humanitarian dimensions of the war. Their efforts are central to fostering resilience, unity, and hope in the face of conflict.

In what follows we look at one of these initiatives, the Sophia Brotherhood. This is a grassroots organisation dedicated to fostering unity within Ukrainian Orthodoxy. It brings together clergy and laity from different Orthodox jurisdictions, including the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), as well as representatives from other local Orthodox Churches. It aims to promote dialogue, resolve inter-church confl icts, and counter divisive narratives.

Members of the organisation are present in almost all cities of Ukraine. Some reside abroad in Germany and the United Kingdom. Given the difficulty of gathering in one place, exacerbated by ongoing Russian shelling and the constant threat to life, meetings are held monthly in an online format. During these meetings, members’ participation in relevant activities is discussed, as well as events organised directly by the Sophia Brotherhood.

* Full article available in printed copies.

Ihor Krasovskyi

A journalist and translator, is a deacon of Zhytomyr-Ovruch Eparchy of an Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and a member of Sophia Brotherhood.