Język jako narzędzie budowania wspólnoty. Podstawy biblijne i wyzwania związane z uchodźstwem – z doświadczenia Prawosławnego Metropolitalnego Ośrodka Miłosierdzia ELEOS

Doroteusz Sawicki

doi:10.36124/rt.2025.15

Published: 2025-12-281

Vol. 67 No. 2 (2025)

Language as a tool for building community. Biblical foundations and refugee challenges – from the experience of the Orthodox Metropolitan Center of Mercy ELEOS

Doroteusz Sawicki

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8478-0910

https://doi.org/10.36124/rt.2025.15

Abstract

This article explores the practical use of language and language courses in supporting the integration of war refugees from Ukraine into the Polish community (more broadly, the host country). According to biblical teachings, “words” have great power. They can be both a tool for creation and destruction. This applies particularly to relationships (human-human, human-God) and community. Analyzing Russia’s policy towards South Ossetia (Georgia) and Ukraine, we can see that armed conflicts were preceded by destructive actions against the countries subsequently attacked. War refugees in Poland also face a lack of community. The Polish language courses offered to them are an excellent tool for their integration into Polish society, building a new community in which they will actively participate, developing their own life and professional potential, as well as the well-being of the community. These conclusions were based on reports and surveys from participants of language courses conducted by the Orthodox Metropolitan Center of Mercy ELEOS.

Keywords:

refugees, Ukraine, aid, language courses, war, support, charity organization ELEOS

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Sawicki, D. (2025). Language as a tool for building community. Biblical foundations and refugee challenges – from the experience of the Orthodox Metropolitan Center of Mercy ELEOS. Theological Yearbook, 67(2), 327–382. https://doi.org/10.36124/rt.2025.15

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