Religion has always been an important part of Ukrainians’ identity. In modern Ukraine, religiosity often takes on a cultural character. For example, many people celebrate Christmas and Easter not because of deep religious convictions, but because they recognize that the traditions of these religious holidays are part of the national culture. 

The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians have been and remain Orthodox Christians (as of autumn 2024, about 70%). According to recent studies, among Orthodox denominations, the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) predominates. However, due to the long-standing influence of the Russian church, a certain share of Orthodox Ukrainians (6%) belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which is subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church; most of them are older people and residents of eastern Ukraine. A fairly significant share of all Orthodox believers (7%) cannot determine which church they belong to. 

Catholics, mainly Greek Catholics, are concentrated in the western part of the country. A distinctive feature of the Greek Catholic Church is the combination of Catholicism with Orthodox traditions and rituals. 

There are also Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and representatives of other religions in Ukraine. Ukraine is known for its religious tolerance. In one city, you can see an Orthodox church, a Greek Catholic church, a mosque, and a synagogue. If you ever read or hear news about clashes on religious grounds, further investigation will most likely lead you to a Russian connection. 

Atheism also has its supporters, especially among young people and urban residents. According to the latest data, about 12% of Ukrainians say they do not believe in God, and another 3% are unsure. However, even among non-religious Ukrainians, respect for religious traditions is often preserved. 

To learn more about the modern system of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, see: https://irf.in.ua/p/146