Strengthening Bonds and Faith: The American-Ukrainian Chaplains Initiative
Against the backdrop of a devastating war in Ukraine, The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina played host to a gathering of faith leaders, and concerned citizens with a singular mission - to explore how the power of chaplaincy could aid Ukraine's Chaplain Corps during these tumultuous times.
The Oct. 12, 2023, event was attended by esteemed guests, including the head of Baptist Chaplains for the Ukrainian military, Vasili Povorozniuk; John Painter, a Chaplain at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System; Brig. Gen. Ron Harvell from The Dewey Center for Chaplaincy at Charleston Southern University; and Col. Aaron Meadows, Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets at The Citadel and Air Force Reserve Command.
"The Ukrainian Chaplain Corps was established only one year ago and is composed mostly of local pastors who volunteer their services," said Chaplain Painter. "The United States Army Chaplain Corps was established in 1775, and the VA Chaplain Service in 1865. Our Military and VA Chaplains have a wealth of knowledge concerning how a chaplaincy organization can be organized, trained, and equipped to best meet the needs of military members, veterans, and their families. We can share what we have learned to strengthen the Ukrainian Chaplain Corps."
Painting a vivid picture of the dire circumstances in Ukraine, he added, "Ukraine is a country at war. A well-trained and well-equipped Chaplain Corps is vital to the country now, and to the future resilience and growth of Ukraine."
The personal connection and shared commitment between American and Ukrainian chaplains were recurrent themes throughout the event.
"I gained an appreciation for the commitment of Ukraine’s fledgling Chaplain Corps," Chaplain Painter stated. These men and women are unpaid volunteers who risk their lives daily to care for the defenders of their country."
The primary objective of the meeting was to provide education in chaplaincy organization and training. Attendees were given a platform to connect and network with the Ukrainian Chaplain, fostering relationships that are essential in supporting the Ukrainian military chaplain corps mission.
For Vasili Povorozniuk, the need was clear: "We need two things to build up our chaplain corps. The first thing is training and guidance for our chaplains from the U.S. Chaplains who not only know theory but have been there on the battlefield as chaplains."
The second requirement, he stressed, was financial support, especially for essential equipment: "We have chaplains that are willing to go to the front lines but don't have the resources like a car or personal protection to go."
Chaplain Painter echoed this sentiment, highlighting the practical needs of the Ukrainian Chaplains. "One of the requests, for example, was that organizations and churches help equip the chaplains with helmets and vests. Chaplain Povorozhniuk noted that these items are not supplied by the military to chaplains."
As the event concluded, the consensus among attendees was clear - the American-Ukrainian Chaplains Initiative was not merely a gathering but a foundation upon which support, training, and faith could flourish. Combat ministry experience, the attendees noted, is unique and can best be understood by those who have navigated it, making this collaboration all the more crucial.
The initiative at The Citadel in Charleston is a testament to the enduring power of faith and shared purpose, transcending borders and continents to provide hope and aid to those who need it most, one chaplain at a time.