Marharyta
A veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war. On losing a comrade, coming home and finding “her own people”.
Chaplaincy ministry · Odesa
Chaplain — being there
From mobilisation and the front line to civilian life
01 · The essence
What chaplaincy ministry is
“Being there” is not just a slogan of our chaplaincy ministry. It is the principle we live by.
- Being there with a soldier on the front line
- Being there after a wound
- Being there with their family
- Being there during rehabilitation
- Being there while they return to civilian life
- Being there when a person is looking for new meaning, a new community and hope
We believe that a true chaplain does not come for a single day. He walks the road together with the person.
That is why the chaplaincy ministry of the People’s Church is built as a continuous route of support — from the front line to recovery, from war to peaceful life, from the first meeting to spiritual growth.
02 · Route of support
One road — from the front line to peaceful life
Our ministry covers the whole road a person walks: from the front line and the hospital to rehabilitation, adaptation and a return to active life in society and in the church.
- Front lineRegular trips to units: prayer, conversation, humanitarian aid.
- HospitalsPastoral care for the wounded during treatment and recovery.
- VeteransCommunity, rehabilitation and a return to active life.
- FamiliesSupport for the families of the fallen, wounded, captured and missing.
~40 chaplains, chaplain assistants, volunteers and specialists in our team
~2000 chaplains and volunteers in the Christian Rescue Service, where we serve
4 areas of ministry that together form one continuous route of support
A true chaplain does not come for a single day. He walks the road together with the person. Being there
03 · About us
A team that stays
We are a team of chaplains, ministers and volunteers of the Odesa People’s Church who support soldiers, veterans, their families and everyone affected by the war.
Our calling is to be there in the hardest moments of life. We serve within the interdenominational NGO “Christian Rescue Service” and travel to every sector of the front.
04 · Areas of ministry
Four areas of one road
Our ministry covers the whole road a person walks — from the front line and the hospital to rehabilitation, adaptation and a return to active life in society and in the church.
Front line
Regular trips to units, spiritual support, prayer, humanitarian aid and personal conversation with the defenders.
Open
Hospitals
Pastoral care for the wounded: prayer, support and practical help during treatment and recovery.
Open
Veterans
We create a space for recovery, brotherhood, rehabilitation and the integration of veterans into community life.
OpenMilitary families
We support the families of fallen, wounded, captured and missing soldiers, helping them walk a difficult road together.
Open05 · Testimonies
Real stories of those who walked this road
Stories of soldiers, veterans, their families and volunteers about how God changes lives through care, support and community.
Yurii
A volunteer artilleryman. On the road from gun commander to battery sergeant major — and back home.
Oleksandr
A combat medic. On a severe wound, long treatment and returning to serve others.
06 · Projects
Practical initiatives through which we serve people every day
Supporting the front line
Regular trips to units: personal conversation, prayer, God’s Word and aid matched to current needs.
Regular hospital visits
We stay with the wounded through their treatment: we listen, we pray, we support their families.
Veterans’ banya meetings
A space of brotherhood where you can rest, talk openly and simply be among your own.
Support for military families
Guidance, consultations, practical help and a dedicated project — “Children of Heroes”.
07 · I need help
Ask for support
If you are a serviceman or servicewoman, a veteran or a member of a military family and you need support right now — get in touch with us.
Do not stay alone with your need. Tell us about your situation — we will listen, contact you and look for a possible way to help together.
08 · Support us
Join the ministry
Join us in prayer, as a volunteer or with financial support, so that together we can be there for those who need it most today.
09 · Contacts
Get in touch
Write to us if you need support, want to join the ministry, offer help or discuss a partnership.
Roman Medianyk
Chaplaincy ministry coordinator
- +38 (096) 131-98-52
- romedja@gmail.com
- Viber · Telegram · WhatsApp · Signal — at the same number
Follow us
The latest news about trips, meetings and current needs — on Roman Medianyk’s pages.