MILITARY CHAPLAINCY AS A MECHANISM FOR INFLUENCING THE FORMATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL READINESS OF SERVICEMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article reveals the place, functions and socio-spiritual significance of military chaplaincy as an important element of the system of psychological support for personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It is proven that the spiritual education of military personnel is one of the key factors in ensuring their internal stability, psychological readiness to perform combat missions, preserving moral guidelines and humanity in the extremely difficult conditions of modern war. The historical prerequisites for the formation of the institution of chaplaincy in Ukraine are highlighted – from the traditions of the princely era, when the clergy accompanied soldiers on campaigns, to the Ukrainian Cossacks and the liberation struggles of the 20th century, which laid the foundation for national military pastoral care. The stages of the revival of military chaplaincy in the period after the restoration of Ukraine’s independence and its active development after 2014 in response to the challenges of Russian aggression are traced. The main areas of activity of military chaplains are characterized: spiritual and religious (conducting religious services, rituals, spiritual conversations), moral and psychological (maintaining fighting spirit, forming psychological readiness, faith in one’s own strength), educational and upbringing (development of patriotism, responsibility, service to the people), social and charitable (assistance to wounded comrades, families of the deceased) and consultative (psychological support of personnel). It has been established that a modern military chaplain is not only a spiritual mentor, but also a partner of the command in matters of team cohesion, reducing stress levels, preventing destructive states and maintaining combat effectiveness. Military chaplaincy is an integral part of the system of spiritual and religious support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an important tool for forming the moral, spiritual and psychological strength of the Ukrainian army, which ensures its readiness, stability, unity and spiritual strength in the struggle for the freedom and independence of the state.