RELIGIOSITY AS A FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT OF THE “JAPHETIC” UKRAINIAN IDENTITY (V. LYPYNSKII'S CONCEPT)

Abstract

The research examines religiosity as a key component of Ukrainian national identity within the context of the “Japhetic” concept developed by Viacheslav Lypynskii, the founder of the Statehood School of Historiography. The author argues that Lypynskii identified religiosity as a nation-consolidating and state-building attribute characteristic of the “Japhetic” (constructive, European) type of consciousness, as opposed to the “Khamitic” (rebellious, nihilistic) type.
The study focuses on V. Lypynskii’s vision of creative mysticism, cordocentrism, and orientation toward the common good as the foundations of a distinct Ukrainian religiosity. This vision arises naturally from his concept of the historical “Japheticity” of Ukrainians, understood as a system of mental and cultural characteristics, norms, and values rooted in the ancient Greco-Roman philosophical, legal, political, and artistic heritage, as well as in the worldview and ethical principles of Christianity. In this sense, Japhetic religiosity reflects a national spiritual worldview shaped by Christian foundations and the historical experience of different peoples.
Lypynskii views religious identity as the result of spiritual and emotional motivation (“enthusiasm”) that gives the nation moral strength for historical change and external struggle, moving beyond passive ritualism. This strength finds expression in creative mysticism, which maintains a vital balance between conservatism and progress, collective discipline and individual freedom.The article explores Lypynskii’s innovative vision of the religious foundation of the state. The historian viewed the state as a Christian meta-community characterized by multi-confessionalism, constructive creative spirituality, a cordocentric striving for truth, and a sincere adherence to genuine spiritual authorities. This approach, oriented towards the common good and rejecting any form of unrestrained power, substantially contrasts the “Japhetic” state-building ideal of Ukrainians with authoritarian, leader-centric “Khamitic” ideologies.