How to Unite a Community During War: Clergy from Across Ukraine Gathered in Lviv for Leadership Training

On June 25–26, priests, clergy spouses, seminarians, and active parishioners from across Ukraine gathered at the Lviv Orthodox Theological Academy for a training on Leadership and Spiritual Ministry During Wartime, led by Father Yaroslav Rokhman.

Over the course of two days, participants explored topics that are rarely addressed in traditional theological education: what leadership means in a church community during wartime, how to combine spiritual ministry with community management, and how to unite people carrying different experiences of pain, trauma, and loss.

Throughout the training, participants analyzed practical cases, shared their own experiences, and engaged in open and honest discussions. Alongside the knowledge gained, many emphasized the value of the atmosphere itself: bringing together people from different dioceses who share a common calling and a common desire to serve more effectively.

"Thank you very much for the opportunity to reflect on what matters most. Every minute of the training left me with an incredible sense of growth and unity," shared one participant.

"My sincere thanks to the organizers and the lecturer for this outstanding training, the new knowledge, and, most importantly, the new horizons and perspectives on the synergy between ministry and leadership," added another participant.

The next training for priests, clergy spouses, and active parishioners will take place in July. 

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), in cooperation with the Kyiv and Lviv Orthodox Theological Academies.