Ukrainian Soldiers Seek Healing at Greek Monasteries After War Trauma

A group of 22 wounded Ukrainian soldiers visited Mount Athos for spiritual solace and psychological recovery from the ongoing war with Russia.

The soldiers, many bearing physical and psychological scars from the three-year conflict, traveled over 1,000 kilometers from Lviv to the UNESCO-listed monasteries on Mount Athos, Greece.
The four-day pilgrimage, organized by Ukrainian authorities, included visits to a dozen Greek Orthodox monasteries, offering a space for prayer, reflection, and community support.
Participants described the experience as profoundly therapeutic, with one official noting it provided the equivalent of a year of rehabilitation in traditional medical centers.
Mount Athos, a spiritual hub of Orthodox Christianity since the 10th century, allowed the soldiers to engage in religious practices, including communion and prayers for loved ones, while also fostering camaraderie among them.
The visit highlights the ongoing toll of the war, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left many soldiers, like 22-year-old Ivan Kovalyk who lost both legs, seeking both physical and emotional recovery.