As uncertainty deepens across Ukraine, our military chaplains continue to visit the frontlines, unarmed, facing shelling, drones, and bombs so that they can provide care for people of all beliefs and none. They are working in circumstances that most of us could never dream of experiencing, drawing on their faith to do all they can to give hope, comfort, and compassion to both civilians and soldiers caught up in the chaos and horror of war.

Pastor Oleksii visited the Memorial to Fallen Soldiers and met bereaved relatives (photo above): ‘ It is such a pity that in the 21st century we had to experience such terrible events as the grief of these women who will never see their children again. This terrible war brings a lot of pain. My friends, few of you can even imagine how horrific  events our soldiers go through, how much they sacrifice, even their lives.’

Oleksii has been providing pastoral and spiritual support to many around Kherson for over two years now and writes: ‘I also want to pass along some news from the front and ask for prayers for safety. It has been really difficult for the last two weeks. The shelling has been constant. I cannot share photos or videos because it is too dangerous for the people who are still living there. Things have gotten bad around Zaporizhzhia and especially toward Donetsk, and around Kherson and the surrounding villages. Every day there is shelling, bombing and drones. It is extremely dangerous….’

Pastor Oleksii told us about his friend Sergey and with him we thank God for the miracle that his friend is alive and well! In 2022, Sergey volunteered to serve in Azovstal and was captured. For over two years he was listed as missing and many believed him dead. In October, he was part of a prisoner exchange and returned to Ukraine.

Sergey was a member of Oleksii’s church in Berdiansk (now under Russian occupation). Oleksii himself had to flee from the Russians in 2022. He started a new church for internally displaced people in Vinnytsia. It is here that Sergey has been sharing his difficult story of being held in captivity by the Russians (see photo below). Oleksii was moved to tears by Sergey’s story.

Being freed is just the start of Sergey’s recovery. Conditions in Russian custody have been described by the United Nations as ‘horrific.’ Each day of captivity means a further deterioration in both physical and mental health.

Please pray for Sergey’s speedy recovery – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – as he starts three months of rest and rehabilitation.

Please pray for all those who still held captive.

Give thanks to God if you can walk in freedom today.

Please keep Pastors Oleksii, Pastor Sergey, and Pastor Sasha (all Military Chaplains supported by DHM) and their families in your prayers as they continue helping those in greatest need – the dying, the suffering and the wounded.

May God would give them the wisdom and strength, the health, and the resources for His great work.

If you would like to support Pastor Oleksii please donate to DHM using the ‘Quick Donate’ button at the top of the screen and use the ref: Oleksii