United in Service, Standing Beside Those Who Defend Ukraine

The faculty, graduates, and students of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS) actively participated in the annual Chaplaincy Forum “United in Service. Standing Beside” held in Kyiv on October 7–8. During the event, they were sharing expertise, facilitating sessions, and presenting programs that directly support military chaplains and their ministry in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Forum gathered over 400 participants from across Ukraine, including military and volunteer chaplains, church leaders, representatives of international organizations, government authorities, and Armed Forces personnel. Organized by the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine (CEPCU), the event focused on strengthening chaplaincy through collaboration between churches, the military, and civil society.

Over the two days, participants engaged in panel discussions, workshops, and presentations focusing on the challenges faced by chaplains and practical strategies for their ministry. Topics included collaboration between volunteer and full-time chaplains, working with released prisoners of war, security measures for chaplains in the field, and resources for emotional and spiritual support for military personnel and their families.

Notable sessions highlighted the work of chaplains in frontline units, including volunteer and female chaplains serving in key positions. Testimonies, including that of Hero of Ukraine Vladyslav Stotsky, emphasized how chaplaincy has transformed the lives of soldiers, offering spiritual guidance, care, and resilience during the most difficult circumstances.

The Forum also showcased educational programs, tools, and initiatives to develop and strengthen chaplaincy services, including the CEPCU Chaplain’s Handbook and Prayer Guide project. Participants concluded the event by adopting the 2025 Chaplain Forum Resolution, which outlined priority directions for developing evangelical Protestant chaplaincy in Ukraine.

Rector Ivan Rusyn emphasized UETS’s commitment to equipping leaders for faithful service:

Beyond the Forum, UETS regularly conducts seminars, workshops, and specialized training for chaplains. These programs equip current and aspiring leaders with pastoral care skills, spiritual resilience, and practical knowledge essential for ministry in military contexts.

UETS offers officially accredited and licensed programs, which are now a key requirement for chaplains serving in the military. This accreditation ensures that chaplains are professionally trained, equipped for the unique challenges of ministry in conflict zones, and prepared to provide ongoing spiritual care to soldiers returning from war.

Through its educational programs and active engagement in chaplaincy events, UETS is shaping the present and future generation of leaders, ensuring holistic support for military personnel and their families during the conflict and as they return home, fostering spiritual stability, well-being, and long-term societal impact.