Ukraine used to be a pagan country. People believed that spirits were everywhere. There were several Gods and each represented some natural power.
In 988 Kiev, the capital of Kievan Rus was baptized into Christian orthodox religion by the Knyazh Vladimir the Great and so Kiev became a spiritual center for the whole Russia.
During the years of post-Soviet Union reign, religion was left far behind the politics and the percent of religious people was rather small. Since Ukraine declared its independence in 1990 the government focused on its spiritual aspect of life. The buildings that had been taken away from some religious groups were given back. The building of a doll theatre was given back to the Ukrainian Synagogue, The planetarium gave the building of Alexandr’s church back to Catholics and so Kiev started to reintegrate its religious aspect.
Kiev is believed to be an Orthodox city and its true, it is enough just to look around and to see such wonderful churches as Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, St. Sophia’s cathedral, Cyril’s church and many more. All together there are about 1600 churches. According to the surveys about 90% of Kievites are religious and 70% of them are Christian 50% are Orthodox, 10% are Catholics and 10% are Protestant. People follow traditions and go to churches. It is very common in Kiev during the winter time to hear something like “I don’t drink and I don’t eat meat – I’m keeping the fast.” To keep the fast means to keep a diet: to keep your body and your thoughts clear. This is how orthodox Christians are trying to be closer to God.
There are a lot of different tradition and religious holidays that are held on the governmental level. For example Christmas. It is held on the 6th of January, it is a family holiday and an official day off. The family gathers at the table that is set with 12 different dishes, the main course is “kutia” a so-called porridge with honey, wheat and poppy-seats. After the dinner kids go from house to house singing carols and celebrating the birth of Christ.
Besides Christians there are many other representatives of different religions: Jewish, Muslim, Hindus and many more.
Jewish people can go to the Synagogue that is situated on the Palats Sportu Subway station. In a meantime the Jewish community has thousands of church members. There is also a working Jewish school, kindergarten, a camp, a kosher restaurant and a shop. There are also educational and charity programs.
Muslim people have a wonderful Mosque that is situated in a historical center of the city – Podil and one more has just opened on Lukiyanovka subway station because the Muslim community has reached 60 thousands. The church -house is for 2000 people, there is also a school and above it all there is a 9 floor minaret .
If to talk about Hindus there are several churches and many different communities in Kiev. This is the most popular foreign religion between Kievites. The Krishna admirers are making the city tour each month when it’s warm. They sing songs and give cookies to everybody. Their main church is on the Nyvky station.
Kiev is a very spiritual place that welcomes everybody no matter what religion they prefer.
