"A Leader Is Not a Superhero": A Priest and a Psychologist Reflect on Spiritual Leadership in Times of War

The seventh episode of the Let's Talk About podcast explores the meaning of leadership — a concept that many clergy instinctively associate with authority rather than humility and service. In this conversation, Archpriest Yaroslav Rokhman of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and Ella Sokolyuk, a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and trainer, explain why leadership and service are not opposing ideas. In times of war, they argue, they become inseparable.

Leadership can take many forms: formal, informal, and situational. It is this last type — situational leadership — that has become especially important during the war.

"If something happens in a room and I'm the only person who knows how to apply a tourniquet, then I become the leader for that moment," Father Yaroslav explains. "Once the emergency is over, someone else may naturally step into the leadership role because they have different skills that the situation requires."

Ella Sokolyuk expands on this idea with a concept that emerged during conversations with clergy participating in the project's training sessions: forced situational leadership.

"Priests and chaplains are often the first responders. Especially in rural communities and frontline areas where there may be no doctors or psychologists, and humanitarian crises unfold rapidly. When everything else in a person's life has collapsed, hope is often the only thing they have left — and they bring that hope to the Church."

Both speakers agree that people who dedicate their lives to spiritual and social service often hesitate to see themselves as leaders.

"Many people think a leader is someone who never makes mistakes and always knows exactly how to get everyone from point A to point B. When leadership is understood that way, it's frightening to accept that role," says Father Yaroslav.

Ella Sokolyuk observes that many priests are already exercising extraordinary leadership without recognizing it.

"I've met priests who never set out to become leaders, yet they coordinate humanitarian aid, organize shelter, care for older people, support children, and help Roma families with nowhere else to go. In many ways, they become military psychologists, child psychologists, and family counsellors — all at once. Yet they often don't realize that this is leadership."

Ella also highlights a form of leadership that often goes unnoticed: the leadership of clergy spouses and other women serving their communities.

"I see tremendous strength in mothers and in women's leadership. They care for their families, support their communities, and keep daily life going while also serving others. Much of this leadership is born out of necessity rather than choice — but it deserves to be recognized and supported."

For Father Yaroslav, true leadership has little to do with status or extraordinary abilities.

"A leader is not a superhero. Leadership is quiet, responsible service that naturally becomes a source of guidance and support for others."

Ella Sokolyuk concludes with a reflection on the times in which Ukrainians now live and serve.

"We did not choose the times in which we live. But we do choose how we live through them. I believe a new kind of leadership is emerging — one rooted in quiet presence, sincerity, and humility. I see it in young people. I see it in the people who come to our trainings."

Watch the seventh episode of the Let's Talk About podcast on the Eleos-Ukraine YouTube channel.

The project "Clergy and Communities in Support of Mental Health: Innovative Support Practices During the War in Ukraine" is implemented by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with DanChurchAid and Norwegian Church Aid in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Norway (NORAD).