SOCIAL SERVICE OF THE CHURCH: HISTORY AND PRESENT

Abstract

The article highlights the peculiarities of the growth of the social service role of the church in periods associated with radical changes in the socio-political and socio-economic life of society. The goal is to study the historical experience and modern practice of the church's activities in overcoming social problems and supporting the population in need. It is noted that social service becomes active when social problems worsen and become a threat to existing social relations. The reasons for the appearance of church-parish trusteeships and church brotherhoods at the end of the 19th century are analyzed. This is connected with the destruction of feudal relations and traditional forms of social support – community and family – which were common during the era. The development of capitalist relations gave rise to new social risks and problems that the state could not cope with alone. It is emphasized that it was the state who initiated the creation of such religious charitable institutions. It was revealed that the largest number of church and parish trusteeships were created in dioceses on the modern Ukraine territory. Analysis of their activities does not give grounds to talk about large-scale work on social support of the population. The social activities of trusteeships and brotherhoods were expressed in the maintenance of charitable institutions and the provision of one-time grants. The targeted nature of such social support is emphasized. The second period of the social role growth of service is connected with the period when Ukraine gained independence and overcame relapses of totalitarianism. A fairly high and stable level of trust in the church has been established in society. It was noted that it was religious denominations that initiated the revival of social service in the conditions of political, economic and social crisis, and especially in the modern conditions of martial law. The main directions and components of charitable and social activities of religious organizations at the current stage are outlined. It is noted that social service proofs to be not only a tool for solving social problems and stabilizing society crisis situations, but declared itself as a phenomenon inherent in modern society.