Representatives of UGCC take part in International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference

The 23rd International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference of NATO countries ended on Feb. 3 in Sarajevo. The event was attended by 63 participants from 27 countries. Ukraine was represented by the Department of the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for Pastoral Care in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely, the head of the department Bishop Mykhailo (Koltun) and his deputy, Fr. Lubomyr Yavorsky.

The theme of this year's conference was “Religious Leaders as Peace Builders. Among the participants of the event were religious leaders of Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, and Muslims. Over the course of three days, military chaplains discussed the role of religious leaders in mutual reconciliation. On the first day of the conference the participants worked together and the next days they worked in sections and groups. The last day of the conference there were thematic presentations, dedicated to the participation of chaplains and military personnel in peacekeeping operations. The chaplains also watched a film about genocide and then held a discussion on how to deal with the phenomenon, which has taken place in many countries, and how to avoid it. Fr. Lubomyr Yavorsky, who led the group, pointed out an important feature in understanding of and in the Christian approach to the problem of genocide: “There are two sides: the one that committed the crime, and that one that was the victim. However, forgiveness is also important. Both sides have to forgive each other for the atrocities and suffering that they caused another person or group of people. Forgiving each other for the iniquity, we continue to live the Christian life.” The chaplains from all around the world prayed for peace. Bishop Mykhailo led the daily Liturgy, after which the Ukrainian chaplains sang a song glorifying the Virgin Mary. The participants of the conference shared their positive experiences from the International Conference of Military Chaplains, which was held in December Kyiv. The head of Department for Pastoral Care in the Armed Forces of Ukraine invited participants to Kyiv and to participate in the Ukrainian Military Pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia.  

Press Service of the Department of Chaplaincy