Volyn Eparchy hosts conference on distinction between faith and psychology
A spiritual and educational conference held in the Volyn Eparchy. Photo: UOC Information Center
On June 7, 2026, in the village of Strumivka at the St. Andrew's parish of the UOC, specialists and clergy discussed the boundaries between psychology and the spiritual life of a Christian. Meeting participants focused on practical questions: how to recognize quality psychological help and protect parishes from the infiltration of occultism disguised as "scientific" methods, reports the UOC Information Center.
Crisis psychologist Lena Storm revealed methods for recognizing mental problems that are often confused with spiritual decline. She paid special attention to the topic of helping people with suicidal thoughts and explained the difference between ordinary stress and deep psychological trauma. The expert also warned believers against fascination with esotericism, which modern manipulators often disguise as psychological training.
Practical advice for believers in the digital information environment was presented by Matushka Maryna Daukoulis. She discussed how Orthodox bloggers can develop a content strategy and respond to hate without compromising their personal boundaries.
The parish rector, Archpriest Stepan Yarema, raised the question of Christian sobriety. He explained how modern technologies and gadgets form new types of dependencies and why it is important to be able to experience difficult emotions without running away from reality. The priest separately addressed the topic of supporting warriors who return from the front and need timely professional aid.
The conference was concluded by the Vice-Rector of the Volyn Theological Seminary, Archimandrite Theophan (Kyryliuk). He emphasized that a healthy spiritual worldview helps a person avoid fatal mistakes. According to the clergyman, a Christian should not make life-changing decisions while under the influence of unresolved psychological trauma.
As the UOJ reported, a youth forum on social service was held in the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC.
Read also
UOC Primate celebrates Divine Liturgy at Holosiiv Monastery
Metropolitan Onuphry blessed students at the start of the new academic year.
Poland's Constitutional Court Declares Registration of Same-Sex Marriages Illegal
The judges unanimously overturned the Ministry of Digitalization's order recognizing same-sex unions.
Jerusalem bishop on Sviatohirsk: A society that kills monks is defenseless
A hierarch of the Jerusalem Church commented to the UOJ on the killing of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra and called for the investigation to be pursued to its conclusion.
Chief rabbi: Jews feel safer in Ukraine than even in U.S.
According to Ukraine’s chief rabbi, Jews in the West are often forced to conceal their background and religious identity.
OCU uses recorded choir track during “service” at Lavra
During a “liturgy” at the Church of the Conception of St. Anna, OCU representatives played a recorded choir track.
A meeting of Orthodox youth took place in the Rivne Diocese
The clergy of the Mlyniv Deanery brought together about fifty young people in the outdoors.