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Study of Religions Research Seminar Series: Dr Olesia Zhytkova - "Activity of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Kyiv (1919-1930)"

The next presentation in the Study of Religions Research Seminar Series will be on Wednesday 26 March from 6-7pm with Dr Olesia Zhytkova on
"Activity of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Kyiv (1919-1930)"
This study examines the revival of the independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine and its activity in Kyiv. The author extensively supports her research with archival materials, memoirs and newspaper articles of those years, which provides a comprehensive approach to the topic. The Ukrainian revolution of 1917-1921 contributed to the creation of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC). It was in Kyiv that the formation of the Autocephalous movement began, and local Church leaders and believers showed significant activity in establishing an independent Orthodox Church. The study reveals the activities of church leaders and believers in reviving Ukrainian church traditions and creating new ones, translating religious literature into Ukrainian, and training clergy. Despite the Soviet occupation of Ukraine in the 1920s, the UAOC remained active, setting an example of resilience. The research also covers the impact of administrative and economic measures, anti-religious agitation and propaganda, schism within the Church and repressions utilised by the Soviet party and state bodies towards the UAOC in Kyiv. The presentation will be useful for those who want to learn more about Orthodoxy in Eastern Europe, anti-religious policy in the Soviet era, and Orthodox churches in Ukraine.
Dr Olesia Zhytkova is a PhD in history, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Dublin City University Business School, “COGS” project. She authored over 10 journal articles and over 30 conference papers and media articles. Her thesis is entitled "Activity of the UAOC in Kyiv (1919 – 1930)". Dr Zhytkova's research interests include contemporary history and politics of Eastern Europe (1914-to present), religious studies (the history of the church in the Soviet Union, Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the 20th and 21st centuries, Russian Orthodoxy as an instrument of warfare), war studies (cultural and religious factors of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the impact of the war on the environment and migration), corruption studies, women's history, and studies in the comparative history of Ireland and Ukraine. Dr Zhytkova is also a human rights defender and educator based in Cork, Ireland.
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