Religious Communication in Ukraine's Media Space as Factor in the Formation of Confessional Identity

This article presents a comprehensive study within religious studies of religious periodicals in Ukraine from the early 1990s to the present. It attempts to analyze the dynamics of the emergence and transformation of printed religious mass media in the context of the democratization of social life, changes in the information environment, and the development of civil society. It is noted that religious periodicals occupy a special place within the media landscape, since they perform not only the function of conveying information but also tasks of catechesis, spiritual-educational ministry, the formation of value orientations, and the preservation of cultural-historical heritage. The study traces the main thematic directions of religious publications, from theological and catechetical materials to socio-humanitarian issues and analytical articles. It shows that these publications reflect not only intra-confessional processes but also current social transformations, creating a space for communication between religion, culture, and the civic environment. The phenomenon of the target orientation of printed religious media, which determines their intended audience and the effectiveness of communication, is considered separately. It is shown that the religious press actively uses various communicative strategies, including nonverbal forms, literary narratives, interviews, reports, pedagogical and educational materials. At the same time, an important trend in recent decades is the gradual transfer of a significant portion of religious periodicals to digital formats, which corresponds to the challenges of the information society. The conclusion is drawn that religious periodicals in Ukraine are multifunctional in character, combining informational, educational, formative, and culture-forming components. They contribute to the formation of confessional identity, support interpersonal and social communication, and create conditions for religious self-expression and dialogue. Despite a reduction in the number of printed publications due to economic and technological factors, the religious press retains its relevance by adapting to the digital environment and remaining an important instrument of spiritual and cultural life in Ukrainian society.