The Ukrainian Ecclesiastical Crisis and Its Global Reverberations: The Russian Exarchate in Africa as a Case Study
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Babeș-Bolyai University / Cluj University Press
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This article explores the Ukrainian ecclesiastical crisis, focusing on the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2019 and its global repercussions. The study highlights the schism with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which views this move as a challenge to its canonical authority and geopolitical influence. A key case examined is the ROC’s establishment of the Exarchate in Africa, traditionally under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, showcasing how theological disputes intersect with geopolitical ambitions. The article delves into issues such as nationalism, the Russky Mir ideology, and canonical principles to analyze the broader implications for Orthodox unity, synodality, and global mission. It argues that while the crisis threatens ecclesiastical cohesion, it also offers an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and a redefinition of Orthodox structures to better navigate contemporary challenges.
Article history: Received 10.11.2024; Revised 01.11.2024; Accepted 11.11.2024.
Available online: 11.01.2025; Available print: 30.01.2025.