To Give, One Must First Be Whole

K of C-funded program trains Ukrainian chaplains providing spiritual and psychological support to people affected by war

By Solomiia Karpiv

Dec. 19, 2024

Priest sitting in a chair reading a book — Father Oleksandr Bohomaz, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest and K of C chaplain from Melitopol, Ukraine, prays in St. Volodymyr the Great Church in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on June 24. (Photo by Andrey Gorb)

In the midst of war, many Ukrainians are turning to their parish priests more than ever for consolation and spiritual guidance as they grieve the loss of loved ones, cope with losing their homes and possessions, and grapple with the realities of war. Yet, constantly bearing the weight of others’ spiritual and psychological needs in addition to their other priestly responsibilities causes many priests to become overwhelmed, explained Father Oleh Klymonchuk, a priest and clinical psychologist who leads the Center for Mental Health operated by the Kyiv Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

“Learning self-care techniques for handling stressful situations and coping with burnout is key to preserving their well-being, enabling them to help themselves and those they minister to,” said Father Klymonchuk, a member of the Knights of Columbus since seminary.

To address the unique needs of wartime pastoral care, Father Klymonchuk collaborated with Dr. Olena Bidovanets, a psychotherapist from Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, to develop a specialized training program on mental health and spirituality for priests. The program is part of a recent project implemented by STEP-IN, a medical nonprofit based in Slovakia that specializes in responding to humanitarian crises.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, STEP-IN has successfully implemented several initiatives, from training for doctors to mobile clinics in eastern Ukraine, with financial support from the Knights of Columbus Ukraine Solidary Fund. The partnership recently launched Psychological Health Support, a large-scale project aimed at assisting Ukrainians affected by the war — including priests.

“As spiritual guides, priests are often the first point of contact for those grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Ukraine State Deputy Mykola Mostovyak. “That’s why, in addition to humanitarian aid, [the Knights] now focus on equipping priests with the tools to support mental health. This training helps chaplains in their pastoral work with war victims, enabling them to address psychological challenges effectively.”

Mostovyak added that supporting priests’ mental health training is one way the Knights of Columbus continues its work to uphold human dignity, protect families and foster solidarity amid suffering.

The Psychological Health Support initiative is structured around three main components, explained Yuliia Luita, STEP-IN’s program coordinator.

“First, we work with the wives and children of deceased and missing service members,” she said. “Second, we conduct mental health awareness workshops across Ukraine, including sessions on how to support those experiencing loss. Finally, we run a specialized training program for priests on Mental Health and Spirituality.”

The training program for chaplains spans five weeks and consists of five thematic modules: Self-Regulation and Priest Resources, First Aid and Active Listening, Major Mental Disorders and Conditions, Working with War Trauma, and Grieving and Loss. The first module, focusing on self-regulation, receives particular emphasis. Upon completing the program, each priest gains a valuable toolkit for assisting vulnerable groups.

According to Luita, 30 priests from throughout Ukraine have completed the program and many more have registered for future courses.

“These are live virtual sessions, and we provide recordings for those unable to attend,” explained Luita. “The format is interactive, with active discussions and assignments required to successfully complete the course with a certificate.”

A team of women standing next to a chaplain — Members of the STEP-IN team gather with Father Ivan Zozulya, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic medical chaplain, during a mental health workshop sponsored by the Knights at Holy Trinity Church in Mykulyntsi, Ukraine, on Nov. 27.Caption

As the program’s head coaches, Dr. Bidovanets and Father Klymonchuk bring complementary perspectives and blend medical, psychological and spiritual expertise. While Dr. Bidovanets can focus on psychological disorders and interactions with medical institutions, Father Klymonchuk’s contributions, delivered through the lens of his priestly ministry, emphasize practical skills in direct pastoral care: active listening, supporting those grieving a loss and other basic counseling techniques.

“As a psychologist and priest, I combine both areas of knowledge and apply them to everyday pastoral practice,” said Father Klymonchuk. “This approach allows me not only to share theory but also to make the training relevant and understandable for participants, providing them with practical skills that complemented their theological foundation.”

Since many people seek psychological aid from their chaplains, Father Klymonchuk explained, it’s important for priests to understand psychological processes, recognize early signs of distress, and provide basic support to prevent suicidal tendencies and more severe disorders. “They must also know when and how to refer individuals to specialists,” he added.

Father Roman Dutchak, one of the first priests to participate in the training program for chaplains, pointed out that the war has affected children and adults, soldiers and civilians, differently, compelling pastors to seek new approaches to individual care.

“We often don’t know how to act in certain situations: how to support others suffered by war and care for ourselves within our ministry,” said Father Dutchak, who serves in the Ternopil region of western Ukraine. “That’s why meetings and discussions on mental health are crucial and necessary in our time.”

He added, “The Church is a place where a person meets God and finds peace, even amidst explosions or air sirens. It’s a holy space where they feel safe. We should use it as a path of support for them.”

Father Vasyl Barna, chaplain of a newly established Knights of Columbus roundtable at the Church of Sts. Volodomyr and Olha in Sviatopetrivske, near Kyiv, said the training program gave him the opportunity to share pastoral experiences.

“After three years of ministry during wartime, learning from fellow priests — especially medical chaplains — was invaluable,” he said. “They shared their work with wounded soldiers, and although I had no prior experience in this area, this knowledge proved essential. In my parish, there are military members who return on rotation and seek fellowship.”

“Ukrainian society is deeply wounded — psychologically, physically, and by the loss of loved ones,” said Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy, archiepiscopal exarch of Odesa, Ukraine, and state chaplain to the country’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Knights. “These wounds also affect the clergy, who need support and solace in an environment where they can be filled with knowledge and recover psychologically.”

Bishop Bubniy underscored the significance of such initiatives, especially for Knights of Columbus chaplains serving in warzones.

“These programs provide the inspiration and support needed to replenish priests, enabling them to continue their vital work with people, parishes and soldiers,” he said. “To give, one must first be whole.”

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SOLOMIIA KARPIV writes from Lviv, Ukraine.