The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serve poor and abandoned people in the United States and 70 countries around the world.

Ukraine: Oblates on the Front Line

Ukraine

Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG

Click here to see the Article en Español

By Vadym DOROSH, OMI

The war in Ukraine has touched so many lives. With the ongoing conflict with Russia, Oblates like Vadym DOROSH are on the front line, supporting the soldiers defending their country.

Answering the Call

A few months ago, a military unit approached our Oblate delegation in Ukraine and asked for a chaplain for their brigade. I answered the call as part of my Oblate mission and was drafted into the army to stand with our nation’s defenders. I started as a chaplain for a battalion, and now I minister to a whole brigade spread over six districts. With seven battalions and one chaplain, the need is enormous. Every day, I try to nourish the spiritual lives of these brave men and women. In the midst of war, I celebrate Mass in all sorts of conditions. About fifty uniformed officers join me on Sundays and holy days in a renovated church, a sanctuary amid chaos. I also visit the soldiers at their positions, pray with them, bless them, and distribute Bibles. One soldier told me, “Your visits remind us we are not alone—God is with us here.”

The Effects of Spiritual Support

Supporting soldiers returning from the front is a big part of my work. Building trust is critical as many are struggling with fear and trauma. But I find they are very open to God in these moments. A young soldier once asked me, “Father, how do I find peace after all I have seen?” We sat together, and I listened as he shared his burdens. Moments like these show how much spiritual guidance is needed in chaos.
Unfortunately, the war goes on, and the work is enormous. We pray for peace and victory—for our freedom and yours. Another Oblate, Fr. Anton LITVINOV, OMI, is also a military chaplain, and others help when they can. The shortage of chaplains is a big problem across many units.

Oblates in Ukraine

The Oblate Missionaries started their ministry in Ukraine in 1989 among the poor and those with little contact with the Church. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, we have been supporting refugees and those in need. Today, about 30 Oblates are in Ukraine, Crimea, and Russia. Among us are two auxiliary bishops: Radosław ZMITROWICZ, OMI, and Jacek PYL, OMI. Our superior in Ukraine is Fr. Vitaly PODOLAN, OMI.

<