EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR OF SOCIOCULTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN INDEPENDENT UKRAINE

Abstract

It is proved that in the period of political and socio-economic transformations in Ukraine, issues related to socio-cultural problems are especially relevant, which consider not only theoretical models but also practical advice son cooperation between the state, Church and society in solving social, educational problems, place and role of man in the modern socio-cultural space of Ukraine. The main directions of educational activity of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the conditions of modern state-building process in Ukraine are revealed. The influence of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on the formation of the system of moral and ethical values of Ukrainian society and its role in overcoming the spiritual crisis caused by the domination of the totalitarian political regime is clarified. The educational policy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is analyzed, the models and tasks of the Church at the present stage are proposed. The Church, education and science as a universe that unites all spheres of human existence undoubtedly play a decisive role in inventing answers to the challenges of civilization facing Ukraine and its culture. The educational activity of the Church really directs the life-creating processes, ensures the formation of the young generation of Ukrainians with harmoniously developed intellect, inherited experience, moral principles and values. It is substantiated that the Church, having a high level of trust in society, has a significant potential to influence the public consciousness and it is an effective means regulation of social behavior. In particular, through the Church’s preaching, catechetical, educational and charitable activities, it can promote the formation of moral qualities in citizens, such as patriotism, honesty, decency, obedience to the law, tolerance, trust, solidarity, etc., which are strongly associated with a set of civic virtues. It is emphasized that religious organizations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine have a high dynamics of growth and strengthening of their presence in various social and socio-cultural spheres. Through forms of participation of socially active believers organized in such way, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has a direct influence on society. These associations exist in both public and private form, have their own purpose and task, but operate only with the permission of the Church and under its patronage. The important point is that all communities carry out educational activities in the spirit of Christianity, conduct religious practices, and provide assistance to target groups. It is proved that the UGCC at the present stage of statehood has managed to strengthen its position not only in terms of socio-material base, but also created the most developed system of spiritual education. Having identified the cultural and educational direction in church construction as a priority, the Church outlined its main factors: the education of priests, theological formation of the clergy, educational work with youth, families, helping the terminally ill, the disabled, widows, the cardinal elevation of catechism education, adaptation of the structure of monastic communities to the requirements of the Second Vatican Council