Ukraine's invisible wounds of war: Soldiers seek solace at Greece's Mount Athos • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Trauma Healing through Faith: The central theme of the video, exploring how religious pilgrimage and monastic life can aid soldiers in recovering from war-induced psychological trauma.
• Mount Athos: A monastic community in northern Greece, a significant spiritual center for Orthodox Christianity, accessible only by sea and governed by its own rules.
• Spiritual Resilience: The ability of individuals to draw strength and coping mechanisms from their faith in the face of extreme adversity.
• Psychological Disorders in Soldiers: The video highlights the high prevalence of serious psychological disorders among Ukrainian soldiers due to intense combat and insufficient preparation.
• Orthodox Christianity and Ukrainian Identity: The video touches upon the historical and contemporary significance of religion in Ukraine, including its declaration of religious independence from the Moscow Church.
• Monastic Life: The disciplined, prayer-focused, and ascetic lifestyle of monks, which offers a stark contrast to the chaos of war.
• Post-Traumatic Stress: The psychological impact of experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, characterized by symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.
• Rebuilding Identity and Meaning: The process of regaining a sense of self and purpose after experiencing profound trauma.

Healing Invisible Wounds: Ukrainian Soldiers' Pilgrimage to Mount Athos

This video documents a unique program launched in 2024 that brings severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Mount Athos, a sacred monastic community in northern Greece, for spiritual healing and recovery from war trauma. The initiative aims to address the "invisible wounds" of conflict, particularly the psychological toll on soldiers who have experienced intense combat and insufficient preparation.

The Plight of the Soldiers

The narrative begins with the harrowing account of Luamir Robich, a soldier severely wounded by an anti-tank mine. His vehicle was destroyed, resulting in the death of one comrade and severe injury to himself, including the loss of a leg. He describes the ambush and the devastating explosion, emphasizing the immediate and brutal nature of the attack.

Another soldier, Terrace Vibli, aged 62, shares his experience of being sent to the front with minimal preparation and basic training. He recounts the overwhelming artillery fire and the destruction of his village, leaving him with nothing but rubble. He expresses the deep desire for the war to end.

The video highlights that nearly 60% of Ukrainian soldiers sent into combat with insufficient preparation are reported to suffer from serious psychological disorders, according to Kiev.

Mount Athos: A Sanctuary for Healing

Mount Athos, described as the "beating heart of the Orthodox faith" and the "very soul of Christianity," serves as the unlikely sanctuary for these soldiers. The monastic community, accessible only by sea, offers a stark contrast to the battlefield. The program, funded by private donations from the Orthodox community, aims to help these soldiers "rediscover their will to live" and "draw closer to the Lord."

The priests accompanying the soldiers acknowledge the profound questions they face, such as "Why did war break out in Ukraine? Why these deaths?" The four-day pilgrimage is designed for reflection on a "more just way of living."

The Rhythms of Monastic Life and Spiritual Consolation

The Ukrainian soldiers are integrated into the monastic routine, waking at 4:00 a.m. for prayer, which begins before dawn. Religion on Mount Athos is presented not just as ritual but as a guiding force that helps these men "keep standing."

A priest describes the profound emotional impact of ministering to the soldiers, stating, "When a man no longer understands his reality, he must approach it differently. When reason fails, he must find another path. The path of the heart." He expresses a strong belief in Ukraine's victory, stating, "Ukraine will win. It must win. It cannot lose. Otherwise, we're all lost. It will be hell of Then we'll all go to hell together."

The process of healing is acknowledged as a long one, requiring "time" to "rebuild, to regain their identity and a sense of meaning."

Case Study: Ilhor Kellenko, Survivor of Mariupol

Ilhor Kellenko, a survivor of the siege and destruction of Mariupol, exemplifies the profound trauma and resilience. He fought until his unit surrendered and was subsequently taken prisoner under brutal conditions. His faith became his anchor, leading him and fellow prisoners to turn to God, learn psalms, and pray for salvation. After two and a half years in captivity, he came to believe his release was "God's will."

The Path of Healing: Shared Meals and Tranquility

Even meals on Mount Athos are imbued with meaning, prepared using centuries-old recipes. These shared moments are part of the "path of healing," helping soldiers "rediscover taste and rebuilding the bonds between these damaged souls." In this "newfound tranquility, far from all the chaos," the soldiers are able to find "restite" and "open up."

Mount Athos: A Unique and Restricted Community

Mount Athos is home to nearly 2,000 monks living in 20 monasteries, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. The community governs itself, with limited authority from Athens. Notably, it is the only place in the European Union forbidden to women.

The soldiers visit approximately 15 different sanctuaries. However, the St. Pantalimon Monastery, faithful to the Moscow Church, remains closed to Ukrainian pilgrims since the war's beginning. This exclusion does not deter the soldiers, who express their appreciation for the peace and beauty of Mount Athos, describing the experience as "almost unreal" and "unique."

The Future House of Ukrainians

The soldiers' final day concludes with a visit to the "future house of Ukrainians," a refuge under construction that will serve as an outpost of Kiev on Mount Athos. This space is intended to offer future groups of soldiers a place to "assert their identity" and is described as "the face of Ukraine." The call is made to "hold on to build this house and to save our country."

Conclusion and Return to Duty

The soldiers depart Mount Athos feeling a lifting of the "weight they were carrying," filled with "new energy, nourished by prayer." They express an inability to find words to describe their feelings, now able to "see their future with my family." Despite this period of respite, several are expected to return to the front lines, carrying the spiritual strength gained from their pilgrimage.