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Having learnt how to effectively provide spiritual, pastoral, and moral guidance to Ukraine’s armed forces, 10 Ukrainian military chaplains graduated from a two-week course with the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department.
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Throughout the course, the chaplains were taught best practice in providing religious and everyday support to Ukrainian personnel, spanning bereavement care to mental health assistance.
As part of the program, the Ukrainian chaplains supported Ukrainian recruits undergoing training in the United Kingdom.
The recruits were taking part in a five week basic training course covering areas such as weapons handling, battlefield first aid and field craft.
The British Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the chaplains will deploy to the frontlines to support the morale of Ukrainian troops upon returning home.
“It has been the greatest of privileges to work with our Ukrainian Partner Forces to develop an understanding of chaplaincy within high intensity warfare,” the Reverend Michael D Parker KHC CF, Chaplain General said.
“Together, we have examined the centrality of the moral component of fighting power and the part chaplains play in monitoring and sustaining this. They have been able to teach us as much as we have been able to teach them.”
Developed following a request from the Ukrainian armed forces, the course was delivered under Operation Orbital and designed by British military chaplains.
According to the UK MoD, there are 160 chaplains in service with the Ukrainian military, with an aim of increasing their numbers to 738.
“The ability to deliver pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance has made chaplaincy a critical capability for Ukrainian commanders,” Rev Richardson continued.
“Chaplains are in demand and it is truly humbling to be asked to support them in deepening their understanding of their role within war. These ten chaplains have answered the call of their nation; they are no longer just our international partners, they are our colleagues and friends. I pray that God will bless, protect and guide them as they return to Ukraine.”
The chaplain responsible for the program’s development, Reverend Robin Richardson, Chaplain, Royal Army Chaplain’s Department, explained that the Ukrainian chaplains will give soldiers hope.
“Wherever there are people, they need the spiritual support, moral guidance and pastoral care that chaplains bring, whether they are in units, in hospitals or training establishments,” Rev Richardson explained.
“These ministers are driven by their faith to step out of the door, unarmed, into the face of any enemy so that they can provide care for people of all beliefs. They are operating in circumstances that we could never dream of experiencing ourselves, drawing on their faith to support those navigating the chaos of war and doing everything they can to give soldiers hope.
“The hope is that the planning tools, religious and pastoral resources, and hands-on experience we have provided will only make them more effective in their roles on the front line.”
