Military chaplain is God’s face in the Ukrainian army: His Beatitude Sviatoslav to the alumni chaplains
On Saturday, April 1, 2023, the first graduation of military chaplains who completed advanced training courses on military chaplaincy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine took place in the Cathedral of St. Sophia — the Wisdom of God in Kyiv. The Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, together with the Primate of the OCU, His Beatitude Epifaniy, performed the rite of blessing the military flag of the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Representatives of other religious organizations in Ukraine also attended the event.
On February 20, 2023, training the first 30 military chaplains from 5 religious organizations, including the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, started. The training occurred at the Military Institute of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
The first official graduation of military chaplains took place with the blessing of the heads of churches and religious leaders of the organizations represented among the alumni chaplains. Among them are four chaplains of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
In his speech, His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that this event is the fruit of the Law of Ukraine on Military Chaplaincy, which was timely adopted by the Verkhovna Rada at the end of 2021.
The Father and Head of the UGCC explained how unique the task of military chaplains is: “It is obvious that a military chaplain is, first of all, the face of God in the Ukrainian army. It is a sign of the visible presence of God among his people.”
“Our servicemen need a spiritual father who will heal their spiritual wounds, imbue them with strength and faith to win. Today we are handing you the souls of our servicemen, our soldiers, and our army, which gives its life for freedom and independence. Be the ones who deserve this task and vocation that our Lord is now opening up to you,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav addressed the alumni chaplains.
After the welcome speeches, a ceremony of blessing the military flag of the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held, led by His Beatitude Sviatoslav and Metropolitan Epifaniy.
At the end of the occasion, all prayed for our chaplains to be good spiritual leaders for our brave soldiers. Finally, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Malyar awarded the graduates certificates.
The graduates also received an armband with the slogan ‘Be there for you,’ which is an attribute of the corporate culture and a confirmation that the chaplain has completed a unique training program and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
