RELIGIOUS DISCOURSE IN THE DEFENSE OF THE UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE IN LITURGICAL USE

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . The defense of the Ukrainian language in liturgical use has deep historical roots and is manifested in a number of modern challenges related to the church tradition. Religious figures such as Ivan Ohienko and Arsen Richynskyi emphasized the sacred meaning of the native language, arguing that "language is the heart of the nation: if the language dies out, the nation will die out."

M e t h o d s . The logical method of generalization was applied, a theoretical analysis of the reviewed scientific publications, monographs was carried out. The use of the philosophical method of religious discourse as a system of speech, reading texts, symbols, ideas and practices, in the Orthodox tradition. Which makes it possible to delve into liturgical texts, as well as socio-cultural manifestations of faith, which form a common understanding of the spiritual, moral and sacred in society through the language of communication.

R e s u l t s . Over the centuries, the Ukrainian language has been subjected to numerous bans and oppression by imperial authorities (in particular, the Russian Empire, which issued documents such as the Valuev Circular and the Ems Decree). These actions were intended to oust the Ukrainian language from all spheres of public life, including the church. The use of a living, modern Ukrainian language in churches during divine services is a key element. It is argued that services in the incomprehensible Church Slavonic language do not provide the faithful with all the spiritual benefit. For many believers and part of the clergy, the Church Slavonic language is mistakenly associated with the only "traditional" and "correct" language of divine services, while the use of modern Ukrainian is perceived as modernism or a violation of the canons. The advocacy of the Ukrainian language in worship often intersects with issues of statehood and opposition to Russian influence (through the use of the Moscow variant of Church Slavonic).

C o n c l u s i o n s . The language of the church is an important component of national identity and sovereignty. Ukrainian churches, in particular the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), are working on the gradual introduction of the Ukrainian language, recognizing it as an important element of unity between the people and the Church. Prayer inthe native language is considered a direct path to God, which emphasizes its fundamental importance for faith and spiritual life.