On May 7-9, 2026, Master of Theological Studies student Mariia Smyrnova attended the Annual Conference of the Canadian Association of Slavists at the University of Ottawa. It is an interdisciplinary gathering of scholars and professionals whose interests focus on the social, economic, and political life of the Slavic peoples, as well as their languages, diverse cultures, histories, and religion. The conference also integrates the Canadian Association of Ukrainian Studies.
There were three sections on religion, and Mariia's presentation was titled "God as a Weapon: Sacralizing War in Occupied Donbas". It focused on quasi-religious practices in occupied territories of Ukraine, militarization of religious life and the suppression of religious pluralism. Additionally, Mariia investigated how religious education, youth organizations, and church rituals were used to encourage loyalty to the state and sacralize the war as a spiritual mission.
Mariia had a chance to meet postgraduate students from Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan, and the USA. In the photo below, Mariia is at the Embassy of Ukraine in Ottawa with researchers from the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Western University, and the University of Alberta.