SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN ASPECTS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS IN WAR CONDITIONS


DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2520-2626/2025.37.12

Liudmyla AFANASIEVA, Natalia HLEBOVA, Liudmyla GLYNSKA

Abstract


The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the social and humanitarian aspects of military chaplains' activities in the context of the current war in Ukraine. It reveals the essence and significance of military chaplaincy as a social institution that combines spiritual service, moral and psychological support, and social rehabilitation of military personnel and their families. It shows that chaplaincy performs the functions of spiritual guidance, the formation of moral and ethical values and contributes to maintaining the psychological stability of personnel, increasing combat spirit, and the cohesion of military units. Particular attention is paid to the regulatory and legal frameworks for the activities of military chaplains, their integration into the structures of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and other military formations. The role of public and interfaith organizations in the establishment of the chaplaincy institution, in particular the activities of the NGO “Ukrainian Chaplaincy” and interfaith councils. It has been established that chaplains play an important role not only in the spiritual support of the military but also in humanitarian aid, providing support for the civilian population affected by the war, promoting social stability, and restoring trust in society. It has been proven that the institutional strengthening of chaplaincy is a component of the humanitarian security of the state. The article emphasizes the need to improve the system of training chaplains, expand cooperation with psychologists, social workers, and veterans' organisations. A conclusion is drawn about the strategic importance of military chaplaincy for the spiritual, moral, and social recovery of Ukrainian society during wartime and post-war periods. The development of the institution of chaplaincy is seen as an important factor in strengthening national unity, solidarity and civic consciousness. Further reflection on this phenomenon opens up new perspectives for the formation of a comprehensive system of spiritual and humanitarian security in Ukraine.

Keywords


chaplaincy; military; spiritual support; social work; humanitarian security; moral resilience; spirituality

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