Chaplains bring comfort and solidarity in Ukraine

By Agnel Maria

As war continues to bring death and destruction in Ukraine, military chaplains are reaching out to soldiers and civilians.

The chaplains comfort and reaffirm the people to not lose hope. To do so they have also created a bond with officials and with medical staff working in the war zones.

They try to instil peace and comfort in the minds of the soldiers.

Military Chaplains – God’s Instruments

Amidst the conflict, Father Rostyslav Vysochan, a Ukrainian Catholic priest and second lieutenant in the armed forces, finds profound purpose in his role as a chaplain.

Deployed to the front line in the aftermath of Russia's incursion into Crimea and the separatist activities in Donetsk and Luhansk, Father Vysochan embraces his duty with conviction.

He tries to guide soldiers through the moral dilemma of engaging in combat to defend one’s country.

Father Vysochan assists the soldiers in dealing with the stress of having to kill in order to save lives and ministers the Sacrament of Confession, through which soldiers find solace and inner peace.

Works Rendered

He's been joined on several journeys to the war front by deacons from his church, and now some of them make their own visits to minister to the growing number of widows and their children.

Their van is always stocked with essential items, which they readily distribute to civilians they encounter on their path.

Whether it's an elderly person or a couple of soldiers grappling with a tire issue, the chaplains stop to offer their support, demonstrating their companionship.

Beyond their spiritual responsibilities, the chaplains extend their reach through practical acts of kindness.

When encountering wounded soldiers at a stabilization point, they provide food and set up amenities such as a coffee machine.

The journeys of these Ukrainian military chaplains embody dedication, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to all affected by war.

Their actions exemplify the profound role that chaplains play in times of crisis, fostering resilience, unity, and hope.