The concept of “state policy on the activities of orthodox churches” and the peculiarities of its formation.

Abstract

The article explores and substantiates the concept of “state policy regarding the activities of Orthodox Churches” as a distinct area of public policy of Ukraine in the religious sphere. It determines that state regulation applies exclusively to the practical, external aspects of the functioning of religious organizations, while the spiritual component remains beyond the scope of governmental influence. Particular attention is paid to the legal foundations of such policy, including the provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, the legislation on freedom of conscience, as well as legislative acts aimed at protecting national security under conditions of armed aggression. The article reveals the essence and key directions of the activities of Orthodox Churches (liturgical, organizational-administrative, educational, cultural, social, interfaith, and state interaction), and defines the boundaries and mechanisms of state regulation for each. It formulates the goals, objectives, and functions of state policy (regulatory, organizational, controlling, integrative, supportive, mediating, informational, and social), and outlines its subjects, objects, and principles (rule of law, inclusiveness, social responsibility, separation of church and state). It is concluded that the effectiveness of state policy regarding the activities of Orthodox Churches depends on the coherence of its goals, objectives, and functions with the principles of the rule of law, inclusiveness, and respect for human rights, which ensures a stable legal framework, reduces conflict potential, and enhances the quality of public administration in the religious sphere. The features of the modern conceptual foundations for shaping Ukraine’s state policy regarding the activities of Orthodox Churches have been identified. The proposed approach establishes a methodological basis for both strategic and situational state decisions in interaction with Orthodox jurisdictions, simultaneously contributing to security resilience, the preservation of religious freedom, and the development of a partnership model of church-state relations.