Peculiarities of the military chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine in the conditions of modern war

Abstract

The article examines the features of military chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine in the context of the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The structures of these Churches that are responsible for the military chaplaincy and have already gained successful experience in such activities during the war (from 2014 to the present day) are identified. The forms of training of military chaplains are determined: these are courses organized at state military higher educational institutions, trainings and classes (including ones in the self-organized School of Chaplaincy Service in the RCC) on psychological, legal, socio-humanitarian and medical issues, which complement church education and are necessary during the war both in the army when providing chaplaincy care, and in the rear – for pastoral support of veterans, wounded servicemen, and relatives of servicemen. The peculiarities of the approach to candidates for chaplaincy are highlighted: the approach of the RCC in Ukraine is that they can be secular, including women (nuns and laywomen), and they are also invited for appropriate training; the UGCC is working on a more active involvement of nuns in the chaplaincy mission. A patriotic approach to chaplaincy service has been noted not only in the UGCC, but also in the RCC in Ukraine, whose Ukrainian-centricity has been strengthened by the modern war. The forms of presentation of the instructions of military chaplains, which are addressed to the believers and all defenders of the Fatherland, are determined: they are carried out both in direct communication with soldiers and their loved ones, and in printed publications for military personnel, defenders of Ukraine: “Catechism of the Christian Warrior” (UGCC) and “Pray and Protect!” (RCC). It was found that the military chaplaincy of the UGCC and the RCC actively uses innovations, i.e. modern information and communication tools (social networks and mobile applications).