Testimonies
On loss, coming home, community and hope
01 · Video
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Veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war
After losing a close comrade and returning from the front, Marharyta struggled to adapt to civilian life. Having moved to Odesa, she realised how important it is to be among “her own people” — those with a similar experience. Marharyta urges veterans not to stay alone with what they carry, but to look for a circle of brotherhood that becomes a support in socialisation and rehabilitation.
Veteran, volunteer, artilleryman
In 2022 Yurii volunteered to defend Ukraine. He served from gun commander to battery sergeant major — from the Mykolaiv region to Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. After demobilisation he keenly felt the need for socialisation and for working through what he had lived. He found peace and understanding in veterans’ initiatives, where veterans come together and help one another find new meaning.
Veteran, marine, call sign “Barber”
Yaroslav was called up in 2024 and served in the 35th and 126th marine brigades, where alongside combat duties he took on the role of field cook. Back in civilian life he adapted thanks to the support of the Odesa veterans’ community. Today Yaroslav takes part in volunteer initiatives and regularly visits wounded soldiers in hospitals.
Veteran, volunteer, combat medic, call sign “Sasha Bilyi”
Oleksandr went to the front at the beginning of 2022: he started as a machine gunner and later retrained as a combat medic. After a severe wound in 2024 he went through long treatment and was discharged from service. Conversation within the veterans’ community helped him through that stage. Now Oleksandr has himself become a support for others and helps veterans adapt to life after the war.
The best rehabilitation is not only the recovery of health, but the recovery of trust, relationships, faith and the sense that you are not alone. Veterans ministry
02 · Contacts
Write to us if you need support, want to join the ministry, offer help or discuss a partnership.
Roman Medianyk
Chaplaincy ministry coordinator
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The latest news about trips, meetings and current needs — on Roman Medianyk’s pages.
