Andriy Fert

Following Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Orthodox churches with historical ties to Moscow have found themselves under intense public scrutiny. This research project compares how two distinct religious communities – the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Finnish Orthodox Church – are navigating and actively reevaluating their Russian heritage in a time of war. In Ukraine, societal pressure has forced local parishes to rethink their historical narratives and the veneration of saints seen by public as Russian. Meanwhile, the Finnish Orthodox Church shares profound historical and visual roots with northern Russian traditions – a connection now challenged by shifting public opinions and the arrival of Ukrainian refugees. By examining two Orthodox religious communities in Finland, this study investigates how the Russian war against Ukraine impacts saint veneration, church education, and commemorations of the war with the Soviet Union. Ultimately, this comparative research offers a fresh look at the intersection of religion and nationalism, revealing how faith communities struggle to balance ancient traditions with the urgent, modern realities.