On October 12, on Military Chaplain Day, congratulations were received from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky and representatives of the Strategic Communications Department.
Syrsky – on Military Chaplain Day
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky on Military Chaplain Day emphasized that at the moment it is impossible to imagine the Defense Forces of Ukraine without chaplains.
– You are an integral part of our struggle for freedom and independence. At a time when warriors are heroically fighting on the battlefield, you have become soldiers of the spiritual front, the embodiment of faith and hope.
Your service is the spiritual support that accompanies the warriors, instills in their souls hope and love, faith in God, as well as faith in our common victory, – noted Alexander Syrsky.
Ukraine, the commander-in-chief continues, is demonstrating to the whole world a unique experience of interfaith peace and cooperation.
Now watching
Taking this opportunity, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine called on spiritual fathers of all faiths to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
– The slogan of Ukrainian chaplains is to be there. To be there for every Ukrainian defender, male and female, on the front line and in the rear, in the hospital with the wounded, next to veterans, to take care of the families of soldiers. Thank you for being with us! Thank you for being there! Together we will win! – Alexander Syrsky noted in conclusion.
The Strategic Communications Department also congratulated the spiritual fathers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanking them for their sacrifice, service to God and the Ukrainian army.
What is known about Military Chaplain's Day
Military Chaplain's Day is traditionally celebrated on October 12 in honor of St. Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours.
He is considered the founder of military chaplaincy and the patron saint of military chaplains.
Chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine began in 2021 (this is the year that the Law of Ukraine On Service came into force military chaplaincy).
But in fact, chaplains began to go to the front as volunteers since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Crimea, as well as the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in 2014.
Currently, more than 300 priests and theologians from 13 religious organizations serve in the army.
Chaplains are always close to their charges at the front, in the rear or in the hospital to pray together, perform the Sacrament or simply listen to a person who needs advice from a spiritual father.
The full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for 962 days already.
The situation in the cities can be monitored on interactive map of military operations in Ukraine and on the map of air raids in Ukraine.
