Ukrainian Baptist Communities in an Orthodox Context: A Study of Church Relations Between 1917–2024

Abstract

This article focuses on relations between Ukrainian Baptist and Orthodox churches from 1917 to the present day. It shows the shift from the position (specific to the time of the Russian Empire) when the two movements rejected each other, and from hatred and harshness towards Baptists on the part of Orthodoxy, to more positive dynamics, particularly in the context of the Soviet Union when, under communism, the Orthodox Church lost its position and became one among others persecuted by the State. More positive changes continued in the period after the Soviet Union (USSR) collapsed and as Ukraine became an independent country. At the same time, the article argues that despite some good dynamics in relations, negative experiences for followers of both traditions still exist, which show the need for improvement in relations with each other. Baptists and Orthodox followers may still view each other as straying far from the truth and as in need of salvation.