Oleksiy Seredyuk speaks on the power of unity at the III Chaplain Forum in Kyiv

Over 400 chaplains unite to support defenders

The III Chaplain Forum, titled "Always by Your Side", took place in Kyiv on 15–16 October. The event was initiated by the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine, with the "Christian Corps" serving as one of the key participants. In total, more than 400 military chaplains, their assistants, volunteer chaplains, and church officials who directly provide spiritual assistance to Ukrainian defenders attended the event.

Speeches by leadership and government representatives

The forum programme began with a prayer and a tribute to the memory of fallen defenders. During the event, representatives of religious organisations, state agencies, generals, and heads of Military Chaplaincy Services addressed the attendees.

Particular attention was paid to the speeches of high-profile guests. Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov congratulated the participants. Head of the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Vovkotyacha, shared his vision regarding the current state and development prospects of this service within the army.

Main message: strength in unity

Oleksiy Seredyuk, leader of the "Christian Corps", emphasised the importance of unity. "В єдності наша сила! В єдності з Богом і в єдності між всіма християнами!" ("In unity lies our strength! In unity with God and in unity among all Christians!"), he stated.

A special moment of the forum was the prayers and blessings by bishops and pastors for the military chaplains. A strong chaplaincy is not just about being present alongside the soldier. It is the ability to listen, provide support in the most difficult moments, help maintain inner resilience, and offer spiritual support to those who stand guard for our state every day.

Composition and mission of the Christian Corps

The "Christian Corps" is an association of combat units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine that have adopted Christian values as the foundation of their activities and worldview. Its composition includes:

• "Bratstvo" battalion (commander Oleksiy Seredyuk);
• "Stugna" special unit (commander Dmytro Linyko);
• "Revanche" tactical group (unit commander "Dolia");
• "Tradition and Order" unit (unit commander Kristian Udarov);
• "Company of Jesus Christ" active operations unit (unit commander "Bravyi");
• "Brotherhood of Drones";
• "Belarusian Volunteers" unit (unit commander "Yanki");
• 6th Special Purpose Detachment within the "Timur Special Unit" and other combat units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The main civilian partner of the Corps is the "Nadiya" Youth Initiative Charity Foundation.