UETS Continues Frontline Chaplaincy Ministry

For the past couple of years, during Christmas, New Year, and Easter, UETS staff members have been visiting frontline areas in the eastern part of Ukraine.

As part of these visits, President Ivan Rusyn and Fedir Raychynets, head of the Transformative Leadership Program together with a group of other Christian leaders had a goal to reach the military from different brigades and units, military chaplains who serve directly on the frontline, as well as leaders of local churches to provide them with support and encouragement, and help create a sense of celebration even in frontline conditions.

The visits also helped to note and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and real needs that the military, chaplains, and local pastors are now facing.

The military and chaplains have shared that, alongside practical difficulties, they lack personal interaction and often feel isolated and forgotten. During Christian holidays, these feelings become even more acute.

Local pastors also feel great pressure while providing people in the frontline areas with spiritual guidance and counsel on critical questions, including whether to remain or move to safer territories in Ukraine. While serving others, they are oftentimes left without any kind of support themselves – psychological, moral, or spiritual, which they also need to continue carrying out their mission.

During their trips, the group has devoted their time and hearts to help the military, chaplains, and local pastors feel seen, heard, and cherished. Prayers, worship, and meaningful conversations – all have become a part of their efforts to provide spiritual and moral support. The group has also delivered humanitarian aid during their visits.

What was especially meaningful to the UETS part of the group was a chance to visit UETS faculty member Pavlo Horbunov, who is currently serving as a chaplain at the frontline.

Now, with a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of the military, chaplains and pastors in the frontline areas, we can bring these to further discussions among church communities and national representatives dedicated to supporting those who stay and serve in the frontline areas.

These trips have been a part of our efforts to continue UETS holistic approach to ministering to people in the frontline areas, thus helping us to continue carrying out our mission of bringing the Good News and God’s love, values, and principles of God’s Kingdom to people and places where they are most needed.