Lexical Variability of Religious Discourse in Official Documents of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines the lexical variability of religious discourse in official documents of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The historical and communicative aspects of linguistic influence that caused the assimilation of formulations in religious texts are analyzed. The stylistic features of the use of verbal lexemes, their role in creating the solemnity and sublimity of religious discourse are determined. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of linguistic processes in the religious environment and interfaith dialogue. The article examines religious discourse as an important object of linguistic studies that combines linguistic, cultural and social aspects of communication. Its multidimensionality, which is manifested in the interaction of religious tradition, stylistic features and linguistic behavior of believers, is analyzed. The main factors influencing the formation of religious discourse are identified, in particular its communicative function, stylistic variability, historical context and linguistic behavior. Particular attention is paid to the use of verbs of generalized semantics, which form the stylistic expressiveness of official documents. The perfective form of verbs, such as "has done", "has accomplished", "has done", emphasizes the completion of the action, which is key for sacred communication. Lexical variability in documents of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is explained by historical processes of mutual influence of religious traditions, which caused the assimilation of linguistic formulations. The tendency to use passive constructions in church documents, which emphasize the completion of the action and its official nature, is also considered. Passive forms formed from verbs of the perfective form (in -no, -to: “has been done”, in -sya: “has been done”, "has taken place"), contribute to the preservation of the sacred style and compliance with the communicative requirements of religious discourse. Therefore, the choice of language means in religious discourse not only conveys content, but also shapes the emotional and stylistic perception of the text, which is important for preserving the traditional linguistic culture of religious communities.