On the anniversary of invincibility, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with chaplains who are currently serving in the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine.
The meeting, held at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, was attended by military priests from churches that sent their representatives to the army.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of the mission of chaplains who support the military who defend Ukraine on the battlefield. The military and their families trust the chaplains, have the opportunity to share their worries and find support.
"I thank you for your service, for being with the soldiers during this year of full-scale war. You supported them spiritually, supported their families. I am glad that we have a relevant reform, a relevant law. But, in my opinion, the most important thing is that we have you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliar reminded that chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine was introduced at the legislative level in 2022. Since then, chaplains have been working with the military on the frontline, helping to strengthen their morale and resilience not only on a volunteer basis.
The President expressed his belief that chaplains are the same heroes as military personnel, as they support warriors and help them maintain their morale.
The chaplains, for their part, thanked the Head of State for supporting the introduction and development of their service in the Armed Forces.
"Our goal is to lend a shoulder and be there for them. We are at the front to show that the people are with those who are fighting. And God will not leave them. This helps people and inspires them. And when morale is strong, a person makes a miracle. With God we will win," emphasized one of the military priests.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked how he could help develop the chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces. The participants of the meeting discussed the importance of increasing the number of chaplains, the issue of regulating the verification of spiritual education, which is necessary for obtaining military ranks and enlistment in the army.
At the end of the event, the President presented the military chaplains with state awards: the Order "For Courage" of the III degree, medals "For Military Service to Ukraine" and "To the Defender of the Homeland".
