The Orthodox are the largest religious minority in Poland. On the other hand, the Greek Catholic faithful in Poland amounts to approx 55.000 faithful. As a result of migration movements caused by economic problems and military activities, a significant increase in the number of Orthodox and Greek Catholic believers should be expected. Due to Russia's armed attack on Ukraine, there was a massive migration of Ukrainians. Currently, about 3 million Ukrainians are looking for shelter in Poland. Because of traumatic experiences, many of them will need professional psychological and psychiatric help. Caring for patients from the different cultural background is a challenge for healthcare professionals. Getting to know the culture of the patient's origin is a key aspect of establishing therapeutic contact, accelerating the healing process and facilitating the work of a nurse. Religion is an important element of the national identity for the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Europe. It is what determines social attitudes towards current ethical and health problems. The aim of the study is to present the cultural and religious differences between the followers of the Orthodox Church and the Greek Catholic Church, which will allow a nurse to provide care in line with the expectations of a patient with mental disorders coming from the Eastern Church.

Key words: transcultural nursing, patient, Orthodoxy, Greek Catholicism, Ukrainians.