The global revival of religion and the transition of the societies to a post-secular phase is of a special nature in post-Communist Europe. Here, the Churches have to develop from escape and shelter from totalitarianism to the power that brings pieces of the fragmented societies together. The Churches here can either further deepen the gap between these pieces or help to overcome ethnic, cultural, and civilisational differences. What path will be chosen? This complex potentiality of religion is discussed with a focus on the Ukrainian situation.
Archimandrite Dr Cyril Hovorun (*1974 in Zolotonosha) ordained deacon and priest since 2005/06, holds several theological degrees, including a PhD degree in Theology from the University of Durham (UK), where he completed his doctoral thesis on the issue of the 7th-century controversy of the wills in Christ, which is among the outstanding subjects in the formation of Orthodox Theology. Dr Hovorun has taught ancient church history and history of theological doctrine at various notable theological institutions at Moscow and Kyiv. At the moment he holds the position of the Appointed Head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He is a member of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and is currently
President of the Committee for Education of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Moderation: Professor Dr. Heinrich Assel