For the first time in the history of Ukraine, 30 priests from various regions underwent specialized training and received diplomas of medical chaplains. They will serve in health care institutions. About this reported press center of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
“The first graduation in the history of Ukraine of medical chaplains who obtained state certificates in the specialty “Clinical Pastoral Care” took place, the message says.
The training program was organized by the UGCC Commission for Health Care Pastoral Affairs with the blessing of the management, and the training took place on the basis of Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University.
For two and a half months, the priests underwent a course that covered medical, pastoral and theological disciplines. After completing the training, 30 participants received state certificates confirming their professional training.
“This is a historic step for the entire medical community of Ukraine. A medical chaplain is someone who comes to a place where hope fades to light the flame of faith. You are the first to undertake this noble and responsible mission.”Nataliya Litvinska, director of the health care department of the LODA, said.
Clergymen from different parts of the country took part in the training.
“The state is rethinking the role of spirituality. In the partnership between the Church and the state, we serve one and the same person. I want you to become good instruments through which Christ can touch the wounds of the sick.”, – Father Ruslan Pyasta, the teacher of the course, told the graduates.
Rector of the university Orest Chemeris, addressing the graduates, emphasized:
“Clinical pastoral care is a necessary component of the patient’s recovery. Your presence in the hospital helps not only the patient, but also the doctor, who is often looking for the right solution not only from a professional, but also from a moral point of view.”
