Psychology and Spirituality Together: 92 Clergy Gain Skills to Support Communities During Wartime

Clergy from across Ukraine are learning how to restore a sense of safety, provide support in wartime conditions, and effectively assist people returning from occupation or captivity, as well as their families. They are acquiring this knowledge and practical skills during psychological trainings organised by the NGO “Eleos-Ukraine.”

On April 16–17 in Kyiv and Lviv, priests and chaplains learned about psychological first aid, mental health recovery, and working with PTSD. They also developed skills to recognise conditions requiring immediate intervention, respond appropriately to traumatic experiences, and build safe communication with veterans.

“When the idea for these trainings emerged, we sought the best trainers who could not only share knowledge but also bring practical experience and real case analysis. Today, you—priests and chaplains—are a point of trust and support for people, and you can positively influence communities using the knowledge you have gained,” said Iryna Ageeva, Program Director of the NGO “Eleos-Ukraine.”

Clergy who participated in the trainings emphasise that the skills they gained are critically important both for their ministry and for everyday life.

“The challenges posed by the war require continuous learning—especially for those who serve people and God. That is why I participate in trainings organised by ‘Eleos-Ukraine’ and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Psychology and faith are like two wings of the same bird—they help people endure, survive, and win. Such training is essential to save lives,” said Volodymyr Tymkiv, medical chaplain at the Central City Hospital of Rivne and a theology instructor.

“Often, a sincere desire to support someone, without understanding how the human psyche works, can do more harm than good. That is why knowledge of mental health is essential today for everyone who works with people,” said Pavlo Lysenko, a priest and rector of a church in the Kyiv region.

Military chaplain and priest of the OCU, Oleksa Sokil, emphasized the importance of unity among clergy, mutual support, and the exchange of experience to prepare for future challenges.

“We must not stand aside from those who defend Ukraine today and will return home tomorrow. We must understand them, recognise their needs, and be able to provide professional support. The most severe wounds are those of the soul, which is why we need systematic knowledge to help people effectively,” he added.

The next trainings on covering counselling basics, psychological first aid, self-help and resilience for clergy, palliative care, and spiritual support — are planned in Kyiv and Lviv in May.

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.