The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) is an autocephalous Orthodox Christian church established in December 2018. It was formed through the unification of several Orthodox communities in Ukraine, aiming to provide a national church independent from the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. The OCU is recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which granted it independence. The OCU's creation was significant in the context of Ukraine's ongoing struggle for religious and national identity, especially following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia. The church serves as a spiritual leader for many Ukrainians, promoting unity and national pride while addressing the needs of its faithful.