PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPETENCE OF CHAPLAINS AND PASTORS IN WORKING WITH VETERANS IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR IN UKRAINE

Abstract

This article examines the psychological competence of military chaplains and pastors within the system of comprehensive support and rehabilitation of veterans in the context of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of large-scale psychological and spiritual traumatization of society, the author analyzes the transformation of the role of clergy, who increasingly function as the primary point of assistance for military personnel and veterans experiencing combat stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), moral injury, and identity crises following their return to civilian life. The study analyzes the evolution of the institution of military chaplaincy in Ukraine, from volunteer initiatives during the early stage of the Russian-Ukrainian war to its formal institutionalization under the Law of Ukraine «On the Military Chaplaincy Service». Particular attention is paid to the changing functional responsibilities of chaplains, who today perform not only spiritual and pastoral duties but also provide primary psychological support, crisis communication, and guidance for veterans throughout the reintegration process. The article substantiates the critical necessity of integrating basic psychological knowledge into pastoral practice, including an understanding of the mechanisms of combat trauma, the specific manifestations of PTSD, and moral injury. It is emphasized that clergy should not replace professional psychologists or psychiatrists; however, they must possess skills in recognizing dangerous psychological conditions, including suicidal tendencies, aggressive behavior, social isolation, and addictions, and should be able to provide timely «warm referrals» to qualified medical and mental health professionals. The study also examines current trends in the transformation of theological education in Ukraine, particularly the development of specialized educational programs aimed at fostering psychological literacy among clergy, chaplaincy competencies, and crisis counseling skills. It is demonstrated that modern chaplaincy ministry is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, combining theological training with elements of evidence-based psychology and psychosocial rehabilitation. It was concluded that the synergy of spiritual support and professional psychological approaches is a key condition for effective assistance to veterans and contributes to their successful social adaptation and return to a full-fledged civilian life. The study emphasizes the need to develop a new model of pastoral ministry in wartime, in which the chaplain acts as a bridge between spiritual care and the system of professional mental health services.