A new ‘Great Schism'? Theopolitics of communion and canonical territory in the Orthodox Church

Новый «великий раскол»? Теополитика общения и каноническая территория в Православной церкви
Jeanne Kormina, Vlad Naumešcu
2020-02-01
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Eastern Orthodoxycanonical territorynational sovereigntyreligious schismtheopolitics
Abstract (AI)
This article examines the recent ‘schism’ in Eastern Orthodoxy to show how religion and politics are strongly intertwined in disputes over territory and sovereignty. It argues that two logics are at play in this conflict: one grounded in the theological‐political concept of ‘canonical territory’, the other in the notion of ‘communion’ at the basis of the Christian fellowship. The first is deployed in claims for national sovereignty as well as imperial domination, while the latter can make or break communities of faith. Drawing a parallel between the post‐socialist revival of religion in Ukraine and the current mobilization on the ground, it shows how these contradictory logics shape the fate of people, churches and states.
Key Findings
1
Canonical-territory claims can serve both national sovereignty projects and assertions of imperial authority.
2
Communion functions as a mechanism that can establish or fracture communities of faith, churches, and broader social relations.
3
The conflict operates through two competing logics: canonical territory, which structures claims to sovereignty or imperial domination, and communion, which defines Christian fellowship.
4
The post-socialist religious revival in Ukraine and current grassroots mobilization reveal how these contradictory logics shape the trajectories of people, churches, and states.
5
The recent Eastern Orthodox schism demonstrates that religious disputes over territory and sovereignty are deeply intertwined with political conflicts.
Research Object

the recent schism in Eastern Orthodoxy, particularly the Orthodox religious and political conflict in Ukraine

Research Subject

theopolitical logics of canonical territory and communion, and their effects on territorial sovereignty, imperial domination, and the fate of religious communities, churches, and states

Publication Details
Publication Date
2020-02-01
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Authors
Jeanne Kormina
Vlad Naumešcu
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