United in Service, Standing Beside Those Who Protect Ukraine

Головна Блог United in Service, Standing Beside Those Who Protect Ukraine

From October 7–8, Kyiv hosted the annual Chaplain Forum “United in Service. Standing Beside,” gathering over 400 participants from across Ukraine, including military chaplains, volunteer chaplains, church leaders, representatives of international organizations, government authorities, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Forum was organized by the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine (CEPCU) to strengthen chaplaincy and promote collaboration between churches, the military, and civil society.

Honoring Heroes and Inspiring Hope

Pastor Anatoliy Raychynets opened the Forum with a moment of silence to honor the heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom. Bishop Oleksandr Zaytsev, CEPCU Chairman, reminded participants:

We live in challenging times. Enemies may threaten with weapons, but our hope is in the Lord: ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God’ (Psalm 20:8). They have fallen, but we rise and stand firm!

Bishop Oleksandr Zaytsev

Discussions and Workshops

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.

UETS Participation and Contribution

The Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS) actively contributed to the Forum through its faculty, graduates, and programs. Rector Ivan Rusyn shared

It was an honor to participate in the Chaplain Forum. Witnessing the dedication of chaplains serving Ukraine’s defenders, and the fellowship among them, was truly inspiring. The Church plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our military, and UETS is committed to equipping leaders to serve faithfully."

Ivan Rusyn

The Forum highlighted the importance of pastoral care as an essential need for Ukraine’s defenders. Chaplains and churches are instrumental in providing spiritual support, resilience, and holistic care. The event served not only as a platform for learning and networking but also as a space for prayer, encouragement, and strengthening partnerships.

This gathering reflects the growing impact of evangelical Protestant churches in Ukraine, showcasing their capacity to serve society, support the military, and foster collaboration for the country’s well-being. For UETS and its partners, the Forum reaffirmed the Seminary’s mission to train leaders capable of serving both the Church and society in times of crisis.