FEATURES OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN ORTHODOXY: ETHNOMENTAL DIMENSION

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . The relevance of this topic is due to: first, the growing interest in traditional values, which is an important component of national identity, as Orthodox education remains a significant factor in the spiritual and cultural development of society; second, in the context of the ethnomental dimension, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the interaction between the Orthodox worldview and the process of cognition, which are formed under the influence of historical, social and cultural characteristics of different peoples.

M e t h o d s . The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is a combination of the principles of scientific objectivity, ideological and confessional impartiality, and critical comprehension of the material under study, which are basic for religious studies. All components of the methodological complex were used in the study not in isolation from each other, but in the general context of academic religious studies.

R e s u l t s . This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the trends taking place at the intersection of religion, education, and the formation of national identity. In the context of Eastern Christianity, ethnomentalism in religious cognition can be viewed through such key aspects as the relationship between religion and education, reason and faith. In the traditions of Eastern Christianity (mainly Byzantine, Orthodox, as well as Armenian and other Eastern churches), education has always been closely linked to religion. Monasteries and churches were the main centers of learning, where not only the scriptures were studied, but also philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and other sciences through the prism of the Christian faith. The educational process was focused on integrating knowledge into a person's worldview, orienting him or her toward the moral and ethical principles of Christianity. The study of theology was not limited to intellectual efforts, but included the practical application of Christian principles in life. At the same time, Eastern Christianity placed considerable emphasis on liturgical practices and art (in particular, iconography), which served not only aesthetic but also educational purposes, conveying spiritual truths through images and symbols.

C o n c l u s i o n s . Religious education contributes to the formation of a unique ethnomentality that combines the historical heritage of the ethnic group and modern realities. In essence, the ethnomental dimensions of cognition in the educational process of Orthodoxy contribute to the formation of a worldview in which knowledge is integrated with the spiritual principles of faith, where the main task is to approach God and improve ethnicity, which forms a syncretic ethno-national culture.