“Ecumenism in Ukraine Between Survival and Development” / “Kirchliche Identität und Ökumene. Wie der Krieg die Kirchen in der Ukraine verändert”

Russia’s full-scale invasion has placed Ukrainian Churches in a paradoxical reality where survival and development coexist. Amid destruction, suffering, and religious persecution in occupied territories, Churches continue their pastoral and humanitarian missions while developing new forms of service and cooperation.
This paper examines how the war has transformed the ecclesial identities and ecumenical relationships of Ukrainian Churches, considering both their historical development and responses to the ongoing crisis. It argues that mature ecclesial identity is essential for genuine ecumenical dialogue, while identities shaped by colonial dependency or institutional insecurity can hinder openness and cooperation. The Ukrainian experience thus offers new perspectives on ecclesial resilience, Christian solidarity, and the future of ecumenism in times of existential crisis.