Kyiv Theological Schools introduce new chaplaincy course

Chaplain. Photo: DESS

Kyiv Theological Schools have introduced a new chaplaincy course. The decision to approve the discipline was made by the academic council of KDAiS under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry on August 24, 2026, reports the KDAiS press service.

The author of the new course is military psychologist and chaplain, Doctor of Theology, Archpriest Mykola Nesprava, who has personal experience of pastoral care in a combat zone. Within the framework of the subject, students will study the theological and legal foundations of ministry, methods of crisis psychology, the specifics of post-traumatic stress disorder, and other aspects of chaplaincy service.

The curriculum combines theoretical lectures and practical classes. The program includes spiritual accompaniment of wounded soldiers, family members of the fallen, seriously ill patients, and citizens requiring social adaptation. Future pastors will analyze real complex situations and conduct group work simulations.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian authorities continue to bar UOC clergy from providing pastoral care to soldiers. In June 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved new amendments that allow officials to completely block UOC chaplains' access to military units.

As the UOJ reported, a serviceman of the "Skelia" regiment was detained for beating a chaplain.

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