Socio-philosophical foundations of the organizational mobilization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine under conditions of war

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive socio-philosophical analysis of the foundations, mechanisms, and social consequences of the organizational mobilization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine under the conditions of the full-scale war of 2022–2026. The study examines the phenomenon of the institutional adaptability of this religious community, which, amid wartime crisis, transformed from a predominantly inward-oriented eschatological denomination into an open, proactive institution of civil society and a significant center of volunteer assistance. The theoretical and methodological framework of the study is grounded in the concepts of organic solidarity and the ethic of responsibility, which make it possible to explain the transition from abstract pacifism to active participation in practices aimed at protecting life, supporting those affected, and strengthening national resilience. The article reveals a two-level structure of mobilization that combines the professional humanitarian activity of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency with grassroots volunteer initiatives of local religious communities. Particular attention is given to the theological foundations of social ministry, especially the Christ-centered model of assistance and the holistic understanding of the human person, according to which the sacred space of church buildings and educational institutions is repurposed for shelter, healing, and social support. The study also analyzes the evolution of pastoral ministry, within which the minister increasingly performs the functions of crisis manager, pastor, and chaplain. It is argued that, despite the challenges associated with emotional burnout, migration processes, and the prolonged burden on local congregations, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine has established itself as a reliable partner of the state and society in the fields of humanitarian response, public support, and the strengthening of national resilience. The article also outlines the prospects for the denomination’s participation in the postwar rehabilitation of veterans, the restoration of local communities, and the further development of social ministry.