Kyiv: On the first anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded high military honors to three Catholic priests who are doing pastoral work on the war front. It is also noteworthy that President Zelensky personally attended the meeting at the Kyiv Pechersk Monastery and handed over military honors to the military chaplains of the armed forces.
Fr. Rostislav Vysochan, Fr. Yuri Lesyshyn, Fr. Three Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests, Yuriy Logasa, were awarded military honors. A medal inscribed ‘For Military Service in Ukraine’ Fr. Presented to Wysochan. The medal awarded to the other two chaplains bears the inscription ‘Defence of the Fatherland’. President Zelensky said that the soldiers, their loved ones and those who are attached to them believe in the priests and appreciate them.
‘Thank you for your service in standing with the soldiers throughout this year of war. You have supported the soldiers and their families spiritually. It is good that we have the law amended accordingly. The most important thing is that we have you,’ he added. He described the chaplains who bravely supported the soldiers and kept their morale up as heroes.
It was also noteworthy that Vaidikar thanked the President for introducing such a status in the armed forces. Our aim is to support those who fight for the country. We are here to make it clear that the entire nation is with those who are fighting. For God will not forsake us. When our spirit is strong, man can work miracles. By God we will win,’ shared the priests.
Military chaplains are individuals who must always stand by the troops, even when there are no enemies. Chaplains are not only involved in pastoral duties but also in the rehabilitation and rehabilitation of soldiers, Fr. Rostislav remarked. At the same time, he also shared his sadness that the understanding of the community and the army about the service they do is very limited.