Ukrainian Chaplains: Providing Respite and Purpose Amidst Conflict

Ukrainian chaplains, both enlisted and volunteer, are providing crucial support to soldiers on the front lines, offering solace, guidance, and hope amidst the ongoing conflict.

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Ukrainian chaplains are playing a vital role in supporting soldiers' mental and spiritual well-being. Divided into two groups - enlisted service members and volunteers supported by churches or dioceses - they provide essential respite and purpose to those fighting on the front lines.

The Military Chaplaincy Service, introduced in 2022, provides official spiritual support within the armed forces. Prior to this, soldiers relied on independent programs run by churches. However, training for chaplains remains disorganized and often learned on the job.

Ukraine's predominantly Christian population finds solace in the presence of chaplains like Sergii Dadsko, who serves soldiers after working with civilian refugees since 2014. Mykhailo Hryhoruk, a member of Olive Branch, coordinates religious support and provides opportunities for chaplains to attend courses and seminary classes.

Beyond logistical support, chaplains like Dadsko and Hryhoruk provide spiritual guidance, reading Scripture and inviting soldiers to join them. Their work is crucial, as Ukrainian society endures a massive mental toll due to the conflict. "In the midst of trauma and conflict, individuals are both finding and questioning their faith," says Pastor Andrew Moroz, a Ukrainian-American volunteer supporting chaplains.

Moroz, through his Renewal Initiative program, is part of a growing number of foreign faith leaders entering Ukraine to support the effort. "We had a three-day retreat with 80-100 chaplains and volunteers, providing self-care sessions and mental health support," he says. "We also offered food, massage therapy, and a sauna experience."

The need for psychological support is immense in Ukraine. Moroz emphasizes, "Trauma can either harden or tenderize hearts. As the war continues, we see more discouragement and hardening. This retreat provided a much-needed space for chaplains to recharge and cope with the emotional toll."

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to take its toll on both military and civilians, with casualties in the tens of thousands. Chaplains like Dadsko, Hryhoruk, and Moroz are providing invaluable support, offering soldiers hope, resilience, and a connection to their faith amidst the chaos of war.