Digital Commons Network^™

Operation “Prophets” Or Integration Of Pentecostals Into The Structures Of The Aucecb By The Nkgb-Kgb, Александр Коротаев

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The purpose of this article is to expose the work of the Soviet special services, which was directly aimed at incorporating the Pentecostals of the USSR into the structure of the All-Union Council of Evangelical Christians and Baptists (AUCEC&B). It reveals the mechanisms, forms, and methods used by the Soviet special services (NKGB-KGB) to achieve this incorporation. It has been proven that this process was purely coercive in nature and was directly intended to eliminate Pentecostals as a denomination, using Evangelical Christians and Baptists (ECB) as a means to that end.

Transformations Of Religious Consciousness Of Ukrainians In The 1990s, Bogdan Sulyatytskyy

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article analyses the transformation of religious consciousness of Ukrainians during the first decade of the post-Soviet period. It identifies the socio-cultural, economic and political factors that influenced the formation of a new attitude of Ukrainian citizens towards religion. It is noted that in the 1990s, a distinction between ethnic and religious identity occurred in the religious consciousness of Ukrainians, which contributed to the rapid transformation of Ukraine from a historically Christian (mainly Orthodox) country into a poly-confessional one. During this period, new syncretic mental structures were formed, radically different from the established traditional religious ones, in which elements of …

Muslim Communities In Post-Communist Bulgaria (Challenges And Perspectives For Communication Between Orthodox Christians And Muslims), Klara Toneva

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The paper explores the challenges and prospects for communication between Orthodox Christians and Muslims in post-communist Bulgaria. After providing a brief overview of the Bulgarian ethnic model, it presents the current situation of Muslim communities in the country. The paper examines the ongoing processes within these communities and the different paths they may take: adherence to tradition, re-Islamization, secularization, or religious radicalization. It outlines the prerequisites and causes that contribute to manifestations of religious radicalization. The integration of Muslim communities into Bulgarian society, the role of religious education, and the presence of a strong spiritual elite are emphasized as key …

Saint Paisius Of Hilendar – The Bulgarian Jesus, Son Of Sirach, Ivaylo Naydenov

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Despite a temporal gap of nearly twenty centuries, a comparative analysis of Jesus, Son of Sirach, and Saint Paisius of Hilendar reveals striking thematic and ideological parallels. Both authors, writing in times of cultural and political upheaval, sought to reaffirm religious and national identity in response to external pressures—Hellenization in the case of Sirach and Greek influence within the Ottoman Empire for Paisius. Their works emphasize wisdom, historical consciousness, and spiritual resilience as tools for social and national revival. By situating their narratives within broader historical and theological frameworks, they provide models of cultural resistance that transcend their immediate contexts.

The Challenge Of Implementing Social Justice In A Developing Market Economy: The Case Of Slovakia, Michal Valčo, Kamil Kardis

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Our paper explores the challenges of implementing social justice in Slovakia, a developing market economy with a complex historical background. We provide an overview of Slovakia’s political and socio-economic transformations in the 20th century, focusing on the transition from a state-planned to a market economy (1990–2000). While analyzing contemporary challenges, we explore the role of Michael Novak’s democratic capitalism and Catholic social teaching as moral frameworks for fostering a society with a high level of social justice and cohesion. These approaches, centered on human dignity, solidarity, and ethical entrepreneurship, are contrasted and complemented with Amartya Sen’s capability approach, which offers …

The Battle For The Church Of St. Francis In A Town In The Czech Republic Between “Hipster-Culture” And “Tradition” - Discourses In Religiosity, Youth, And Intra-Parish Civic Engagement – A Case Study, Jan Váně, Jan Kaňák

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The relationship between civic engagement and religiosity is an already relatively researched and described phenomenon. However, insufficient attention is paid to the phenomenon of civic engagement within the parish, and moreover in the context of various discourses of religiosity In the article, we present an answer to the question: How do various discourses and their dominant positions influence Intra-Parish Civic Engagement of Youths? To formulate the answer, we use elements of constructivist grounded theory. Based on the analysis of 14 interviews and 36 documents, we describe the course of the process of dominance of traditional and hipster-culture discourse, which played …

Pr Activities Of Muslim Organizations In Slovakia: Political And Communication Analysis, Vadym Sluysar, Oleh Sokolovskyi, Serhii Kostiuchkov, Mykola Slyusar

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article is dedicated to analyzing the PR activities of Muslim organizations in Slovakia, taking into account the political, social, and communicative context. The authors explore the impact of digital technologies on religious communication, examining the use of social media and traditional media to shape the public image of Islamic organizations. Significant attention is given to the issue of islamophobia and the informational strategies aimed at overcoming negative stereotypes about Muslims. The PR campaigns of the "Islamic Foundation in Slovakia" are analyzed, including their role in interfaith dialogue and combating hate speech. The study addresses political challenges, particularly the populist …

The Transformation Of Religious Consciousness And Spiritual Practices Of Ukrainians During The Soviet Anti-Religious Campaign In The Khrushchev Thaw Period, Galyna Starodubets Doctor Of Historical Sciences (Dr. Hab. In History), Professor, Oleksandra Stasiuk Doctor Of Historical Sciences (Dr. Hab. In History)

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article examines the changes in religious consciousness and daily religious practices of Soviet Ukrainians during the so-called Khrushchev Thaw, based on sociological interviews. It is emphasized that despite the intensified atheistic propaganda and the closure of churches, religion remained a significant factor in people's lives. Religious beliefs were deeply embedded in the Ukrainian worldview, shaping their way of thinking and everyday life, which, in turn, influenced the norms and patterns of religious behavior. Risking harassment from their superiors or even losing their jobs, people continued to attend services, baptize their children, and celebrate religious holidays. Family upbringing traditions played …

The Role Of The Subject “Ethics In Religions” In Shaping Value Systems Among Primary School Students In Contemporary Macedonian Society, Aneta Jovkovska, Aneta Barakoska, Gjoko Gjorgjevski

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This study analyzes the integration of religious education within current school curricula in contemporary Macedonian society, focusing on the Ethics in Religions program for sixth grade, and its influence on the development of students’ value systems. Through an interdisciplinary lens incorporating pedagogy, theology, and psychology, the research investigates the capacity of this curriculum to nurture ethical reasoning, empathy, and social responsibility. The analysis examines the program's learning outcomes, content, and alignment with National Standards, evaluating its potential for spiritual growth, moral identity formation, and community commitment. The findings underscore the program’s unique contribution to value-based education and its potential role …

Digital Orthodoxy And Political Populism In Eastern Europe: How Orthodox Media Facilitate Political Mobilization, Dmytro Garaschuk, Oleh Sokolovskyi

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article examines the intersection of Orthodox digital media and political populism in Eastern Europe, focusing on how religious institutions utilize digital platforms to facilitate political mobilization, reinforce nationalistic narratives, and undermine democratic institutions. Drawing on a comparative analysis of six countries–Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, and Montenegro–the study identifies a shared ideological matrix that fuses populist rhetoric with theological motifs. The research highlights the strategic use of digital media by Orthodox actors to construct moral binaries, sacralize political resistance, and disseminate disinformation framed in religious language. Particular attention is given to the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and …

Dialogue Between The Eastern Orthodox Church And Armenian Community In Bulgaria, Kostadin Kirilov Nushev

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Relations between Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and the Armenian community date back centuries and are based on deep historical ties. This is mainly due to the Armenian diaspora, which took place on Bulgarian territory for centuries, and to the amicable encounters between Bulgarians and Armenians over the centuries. Most recently, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has maintained healthy, fraternal inter-church relations with representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church at the official level. These relations were built and developed within the framework of the traditional inter-church relations between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox churches.

Guarding The Faith Or Resisting Dialogue?: Anti-Ecumenical Tendencies In Bulgarian Orthodoxy, Ioannis Kaminis

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This paper explores the historical, theological, and ideological roots of anti-ecumenical tendencies within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), especially in the post-communist period. It examines whether the BOC's resistance to ecumenical dialogue genuinely reflects a defense of Orthodox tradition or represents a reactionary posture shaped by national, political, and ecclesiastical factors. Tracing the development of anti-ecumenism from the 19th-century schism with the Ecumenical Patriarchate through the communist era to the post-1990s resurgence of neo-traditionalist rhetoric, the study reveals how the convergence of ecclesial nationalism, ideological manipulation under communism, and theological exclusivism has produced a deep mistrust of ecumenical engagement. Influential …

Ukrainian Catholicism In A Time Of War And Ecclesial Debates, Valentyna Kuryliak Dr, Ivan Ostashchuk

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse responses of Ukrainian Catholics–encompassing both influential individual voices and official church structures to two key contemporary challenges: the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine and ongoing intra-church debates on issues of life, sexuality, and gender ideology. The analysis highlights inherent tensions and points of convergence between the universal teaching of the Catholic Church and the local experience of profound crisis. It demonstrates how believing communities navigate both external existential threats and internal doctrinal shifts, contributing to a deeper understanding of contemporary Catholic identity and mission in times of conflict.

Hungarian Ruling Political Party Fidesz’S ‘Soft Power’ Use Of Religion: Themes, Networks, Partnerships, Alexander Faludy

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article aims to stimulate better understanding of Fidesz’s use of religion as a ‘soft power’ tool. Exploring the Hungarian government’s ‘soft power’ has lately engaged the attention of professional researchers. The use of religious messaging, networks, and opinion formers to propagate positive images of Fidesz abroad has, however, largely been overlooked. This essay argues that such use has been both substantial and successful. The article’s primary focus will be on the use made of Christianity in government aligned communications and network building. Attention will, however, also be paid to the subsidiary roles played by Fidesz’s outreach to both Jewish …

Topics Of Historical Memory In The Pr Activities Of Religious Organizations In Present-Day Ukraine, Vadym Sluysar, Yuliia Kondratiuk, Iryna Vitiuk, Oleksandr Mosienko

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article analyzes the role of religious organizations in Ukraine in shaping and preserving historical memory in the context of their PR activities. The article examines the contribution of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), Protestant denominations, and Muslim organizations to the popularization of objective historical narratives. Through participation in memorial events, restoration of monuments, organization of scientific conferences, exhibitions, lectures, and publication of historical materials, religious organizations contribute to the formation of national and civic identity. Particular attention is paid to the coverage of tragic events such as the Holodomor, the deportation of Crimean …

Frontmatter (Volume 45, Issue 9), Paul B. Mojzes

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

No abstract provided.

Ideas Of The "Russian World" And Ukraine: Value Epicrises On The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Under The Moscow Patriarchate, Oleksandr Brodetskyi, Iryna Horokholinska

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Against the background of the identity, jurisdictional, and institutional crossroads in which contemporary Ukrainian Orthodoxy finds itself, the authors analyze the mental, value-related, and personal (linked to the “human factor”) influences in Ukraine of the destructive and militant ideology of the “Russian World” (Russkiy Mir), as well as the degree of involvement of leading functionaries of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the dissemination of these influences.

The article reveals the mechanisms of the corrosion of spirituality among the ecclesiastical elites of Russia and their satellites in Ukraine. This corrosion is manifested in the substitution of the Church’s …

Christianity As “Resistance” In Authoritarian Regimes Reflexions And Case Studies From A Conference In Helsinki, Liisa Lahdelma, Katharina Kunter, Andrej Bukovac-Mimica, Miro Leporanta

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article is based on presentations held in the Workshop “Christianity as ‘Resistance’ in Authoritarian Regimes” at the University of Helsinki on April 11–12, 2024. The workshop explored how Christianity could provide space for reflection and resistance in the context of authoritarian regimes. In this article Prof. Katharina Kunter provides a general historical and theological view of the issue entitled “Historical anchor points for Christian resistance” while the other contributors either present current doctoral or postdoctoral research or introduce broader issues.

Role And Evolution Of Islamic Education In Kazakhstan, Yeleukhan Kaliyeva, Albina Duissenbayeva, Aııtmamat Karıev, Bekzhan A. Azhimov

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This paper examines the evolution of religious education and the professional development of clergy in Kazakhstan, with particular emphasis on the establishment of institutions aimed at enhancing the competencies of imams and religious educators. It traces the evolution of the Islamic educational system throughout various historical periods until the present day. Particular focus is given to blending Islamic teachings with contemporary educational structures. The researchers heuristically analyzed the current state of the field, identified the main problems, and suggested prospects for Islamic education for further development. The research utilizes the historical method, which uses primary and secondary data sources. This …

Ankle Dorsiflexion Range Of Motion And Its Association With Semi-Professional Female Soccer Player's Overall Performance, Lily G. Nolan

Honors College Theses

Lower extremity injury screening is a common tool in soccer due to the changes of direction, jumping, landing, and cutting maneuvers players must exhibit. Talocrural dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), vertical jump (VJ) and unilateral hop tests are used to assess ankle and knee injury risk. Further, DFROM asymmetries may present a higher risk than reduced DFROM alone. It is unknown how DFROM asymmetries affect these tests. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DFROM and hop and VJ performance, and to examine the differences between those with and without DFROM asymmetries. The current results …

Comparing The Patient Shielding Practices For Healthcare Facilities In Southeast Georgia, Genesis Horton

Honors College Theses

Since the discovery of X-rays in 1895, research has consistently been conducted on their capabilities and limitations in healthcare. One primary focus of interest is patient shielding, especially regarding radiation protection and patient safety. Introduced in the mid-1900s, patient shielding has been practiced to protect the gonads, the thyroid, and other radiosensitive body parts. This research project investigated common shielding protocols implemented in healthcare facilities, specifically within Southeast Georgia. This study utilized anonymized in-person interviews with local imaging departments regarding their procedures and protocols for patient shielding. Results from these interviews have been analyzed and compared to shielding best practices …

Impact Of Expert Witness Gendered Appearance And Emotion On Perceptions Of Credibility And Verdicts, Audrey Molter

Honors College Theses

Past research has highlighted biases in how individuals are perceived based on their gender and expressed emotions. The current study assessed how the perceived femininity or masculinity of expert witnesses impact credibility and verdicts in a jury decision making task. Additionally, it investigated how the presence or absence of emotional expression, specifically, anger versus neutral presentations, affects the perception of expert credibility and verdict outcomes. One hundred and eighteen undergraduate participants assumed the role of jurors in a criminal trial involving ambiguous evidence, with the expert witness serving as the primary source of testimony for the defense. Four versions of …

Is Laughter The Best Medicine? Analyzing The Role Of Gallows Humor In Nursing Education, Favour Onichabor-Connell

Honors College Theses

Gallows humor is a coping mechanism used by healthcare professionals to manage stress and emotional burden. Understanding its role in nursing education can help educators and students navigate the complexities of the profession. This study examined its significance through a literature review and a survey of nursing students and educators. The literature review included 15 peer-reviewed articles from databases like GALILEO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus, highlighting both its benefits and ethical concerns. Findings suggest gallows humor is commonly used for stress management and is generally viewed as beneficial for learning and emotional resilience. However, concerns were raised about its potential …

Evaluation Of Therapist Modeling To Decrease Latency To Exercise Initiation, Darci L. Davis, Kayla Randall

Honors College Theses

Patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other adverse health events (e.g., hip surgery) often require physical therapy (PT) to restore baseline function. However, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia may have difficulty engaging in therapy due to deficits in attention, imitation skills, and motor performance. Enhancing participation in this population is essential for achieving functional recovery and return to baseline status. This study aimed to determine whether systematic model prompting could decrease latency to compliance and increase the level of completion of therapeutic exercises in short-term rehabilitation settings. A multiple-baseline single-case design with time-lagged and staggered …

Urban Heat Island Effects On Arthropod Populations And Communities In Jacksonville, Fl, Eleanor G. Cronin

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The urban heat island (UHI) effect makes urban areas hotter than rural areas. Urban areas, and the extreme heat that comes with them, are becoming more common worldwide. If UHIs lead to changes in arthropod community diversity, then ecosystem structure and services could be disrupted. Previous UHI studies have investigated heat impacts on arthropod ecology, but many focus on one species while studies that consider thermal diversity within a single urban area have been limited. In Jacksonville, Florida, areas that are 12°C hotter than the coolest areas are considered local UHIs. The goal of this research is to investigate how …

Assessment And Optimization Of Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure: Addressing Accessibility Disparities In Urban And Rural Areas, Dennis B. Bwire

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for advancing sustainable transportation systems; however, disparities in the spatial distribution of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) present significant challenges for equitable access. This thesis investigates both the inequities in EVCS accessibility and offers a data driven approach for optimizing the siting of future charging infrastructure.

The first part of the study investigates the accessibility of EVCS in rural and urban areas, focusing on how socio-demographic factors influence accessibility metrics. Using geographic information systems (GIS), network analysis, and binary logistic regression, spatial data on EVCS locations and socio-demographic attributes such as …

Impact Of An Online Teaching Faculty Development Course On Student Social Engagement, Preston P. Bennett

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Ample evidence supports the impact of greater student social engagement on student success outcomes, particularly for first time in college freshmen students (Avison et al., 2007; Tinto, 1997; Wilcox et al., 2005). Keeping students engaged socially online can be challenging for some faculty due to reliance on strategies that worked previously within face-to-face environments (McQuiggan, 2012). At the University of North Florida, a Teaching Online (TOL) certification course provides instructors with evidence-based online pedagogy aimed at bolstering social engagement.

This dissertation investigated whether and how faculty implementation of TOL design principles impacted freshmen students’ social engagement with both peers and …

Faculty Involvement In Decision-Making Within Florida's State University System: Understanding Perception, Role, And Participation In Shared Governance, Elaine R. Mitchum

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Shared governance is the collaborative responsibility of faculty, administrators, and governing boards to guide institutional decision-making in colleges and universities. Faculty participation is essential in high-stakes decisions, as their disciplinary expertise and practical experience help ensure that policies align with academic values and long-term institutional goals. This qualitative case study examines faculty perceptions, roles, and participation in shared governance across the twelve institutions within the State University System (SUS) of Florida. Guided by four research questions, the study explored: (1) how faculty describe shared governance; (2) how perceptions of their role vary; (3) how recent events within the Florida SUS …

Multipath-Enhanced Directional Modulation For Secure Mmwave On-Body Communication, Wasi Ur Rehman Khan, Max J. Ammann, Hossein Raghib Hokmabadi, William Scanlon, Adam Narbudowicz

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This paper proposes Directional Modulation (DM) for secure millimeter-wave (mmWave) on-body communication, where security is enhanced by leveraging multipath propagation. The double two-ray ground reflection model is employed to analyze a two-antenna Multi-Input Single-Output (MISO) system placed on human skin. The system operates at 24 GHz with polarization tangential to the skin. Key parameters such as antenna-separation, antenna-to-skin spacing and phase difference between transmitter antennas are varied to analyze the resulting path gain. The results obtained from analytical model are experimentally validated using Yagi antennas placed over a forearm phantom. Based on the findings, the DM technique is implemented. The …

A Dual-Band Planar Antenna For Angle-Of-Arrival Estimation In On-Body Iot Devices, Abel Zandamela, Nicola Marchetti, Max J. Ammann, Adam Narbudowicz

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This article proposes a planar dual-band beam-steering compact antenna for Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) estimation in on-body Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The antenna operates at 2.34 and 5.65 GHz bands, with a diameter smaller than λ/2 and a profile of λ/100 , where λ is the wavelength at the lower band. The spherical modes theory is used to discuss the beam-steering and dual-band characteristics, demonstrating continuous beam-scanning performance across the entire horizontal plane. These properties are then studied to realize AoA estimation, where the performance is tested in free space and with a multilayer phantom. Overall, it is demonstrated that a …