Problems of the state and social relations in the theological thought of Patriarch Filaret Denysenko

The results of a comprehensive study of the conceptual provisions of social thought and philosophy of state administration of Patriarch Filaret Denysenko are presented. For the first time, the theological aspects of the spiritual heritage of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine were involved in public administration science, and the spiritual essence, content and nature of the social teachings of Ukrainian Orthodoxy were revealed. The models of the social policy of the Orthodox Church concerning the current problems of state formation are studied in detail. The theoretical and methodological principles of studying the problems of the state and social relations in the theological opinion of Patriarch Filaret Denysenko and the directions of the further scientific use of his spiritual heritage in public administration science are substantiated. Particular attention is paid to clarifying the foundations of the social teaching of Ukrainian Orthodoxy.

It has been proven that a modern civil servant is required not only to be competent, possess specific theoretical political knowledge, practical communication skills and work experience but also to have a clear awareness of the spiritual and religious processes of Ukrainian history, the main vectors of state-church relations, a vision of the historical place and the humanitarian role of the Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the theory and history of state administration, timely performance of assigned tasks, directing one’s official activities to meet the needs and interests of representatives of religious communities and Christian denominations. It is substantiated that the ability to perform analytical scientific work becomes a mandatory requirement in the professional activity of civil servants. Theological analysis has its own specificity. It is based on the methodological basis of the general theory of Christian theology, the social doctrine of Christianity, political science, applied political and public theology, and other theological disciplines, but at the same time, it is a unique field of activity of church hierarchs, theologians and priests. Unlike state policy analysis, the theological one deals with church life and Christian spirituality. Thus, theological analysis in public administration acquires a specific character that distinguishes it from theoretical and applied analysis in political science, philosophy, and sociology. It is proved that the well-founded application of the categorical apparatus of Christian theology and the social teaching of Ukrainian Orthodoxy significantly enriches the scientific lexicon of state administration.