Ihor Anatoliyovych Kozlovskyi, a prominent Ukrainian scientist, theologian, writer, and public figure, has led a life dedicated to knowledge, spirituality, and peace. Born on February 16, 1954, in Makiivka, Ukraine, his journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country and his academic pursuits.
Academic Journey
Kozlovskyi’s academic journey began in the early 1970s when he served in the Border Troops in the Transcaucasia Border District, patrolling the border with Iran. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Donetsk State University, where he studied history. His dedication and passion for learning led him to graduate with honors, earning a diploma in “Historian. Teacher of history and social sciences.”
Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Kozlovskyi embarked on a postgraduate program at the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, solidifying his dedication to the field of historical sciences.
From 1980 to 2001, Kozlovskyi took on various roles within the Donetsk Regional Executive Committee and the Donetsk Regional State Administration, primarily focusing on religious affairs. Concurrently, he began teaching and lecturing on religious studies, both in Ukraine and the United States.
In 2001, he assumed the position of Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Donetsk State Institute of Artificial Intelligence, later becoming the State University of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence. He also became the head of the Centre for Religious Studies and International Spiritual Relations.
During the years 2011 to 2015, Kozlovskyi expanded his academic portfolio by serving as an associate professor at the Department of Philosophy of Donetsk National Technical University. In 2012, he achieved a significant milestone by successfully defending his dissertation, earning him the title of a candidate of historical sciences with a specialization in religious studies.
Champion of Freedom and Human Rights
Kozlovskyi’s unwavering commitment to peace and human rights advocacy led him to become a member of PEN Ukraine, a prominent organization defending writers’ freedom of expression. He was also actively involved in the Expert Council on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
In addition, he served as an advisor to the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports of Ukraine, demonstrating his dedication to fostering cultural exchange and youth development in his homeland.
A Dark Chapter: Captivity and Resilience
On January 27, 2016, Kozlovskyi’s life took a tragic turn when he was captured by militants associated with the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic.” His pro-Ukrainian views made him a target, and he endured torture during his nearly two-year captivity. Thankfully, on December 27, 2017, he was finally released, emerging from this harrowing experience with remarkable resilience.
Literary and Academic Contributions
Ihor Kozlovskyi is not just a scholar and activist but also a prolific writer. He boasts a remarkable body of work, including more than 50 scientific books, over 200 articles in dictionaries and encyclopedias, and several poetic collections and prose works.
Awards and Honors
Kozlovskyi’s dedication to peace and humanitarian efforts has been recognized globally. He has been honored with the medal of the Austrian Society of Albert Schweitzer, the Knight Order of the Royal Brotherhood of St. Feotonia in Portugal, and the Honours of the Academy Budo (Martial Arts) Nippon Seybucan in Japan.
Furthermore, he holds the esteemed position of a valid member of the Royal College of Norkity in Portugal and has been bestowed the title of an honorary citizen of Oklahoma, USA.
In conclusion, Ihor Anatoliyovych Kozlovskyi’s life is a remarkable tale of academic excellence, unwavering dedication to human rights and peace, and a resilient spirit that has endured the harshest of circumstances. His contributions to academia and his commitment to making the world a better place are a source of inspiration for us all.
