Training Military Chaplains: Russian Orthodox Church Establishes Theological Programs for Armed Forces

The Russian Orthodox Church has introduced theological training programs in Yekaterinburg and Rostov-on-Don aimed at preparing priests to collaborate with the military.

A master’s program entitled “Training and Interaction of Military Clergy With the Armed Forces” was announced on Thursday via the website of the Yekaterinburg Theological Seminary. However, the announcement did not provide details on the enrollment timeline or the specific courses that will be available.

According to state media, the Church’s education chief mentioned that a similar program is already being implemented at the Don Theological Seminary in Rostov-on-Don, which is situated near the Ukrainian border.

Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church approved the establishment of the program in Yekaterinburg during a synodal meeting held at Moscow’s Danilov Monastery on Thursday.

Since the outset of Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian Orthodox Church has been a vocal supporter of the conflict. Church representatives claim that, over the last three years, clergy members have baptized 42,000 soldiers on the front lines, constructed 140 field churches, and deployed 2,000 priests to active combat zones.

At present, the Yekaterinburg diocese has over 170 priests serving within 239 Russian military and law enforcement units.