The pupils of the Dnipro Lyceum of security orientation and national-patriotic education named after O. Hostishchev of the Ministry of Internal Affairs spoke with the Head of the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Central Territorial Directorate of the National Guard of Ukraine, Lieutenant Colonel of the Chaplaincy Service, priest of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Andrii KARPENKO. 

   The guest spoke about his life path: the education he received, his service in the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine, and his calling to chaplaincy. He explained in detail what the essence of chaplaincy service in the military is, what duties priests perform, and how they provide spiritual, psychological, and moral assistance to servicemen and those who need it.

   Andrii KARPENKO paid special attention to the motto of the chaplaincy service “To Be Nearby”. He emphasized that these words clearly reflect the essence of the activity: a priest has no right to take up arms, his “weapon” lies in support, compassion, prayer, and helping others in the most difficult moments.

   The pupils of the lyceum learned about the specifics of the spiritual support of military personnel, about how chaplains work in combat zones, in hospitals, at checkpoints during rotations and funerals, as well as about the importance of humanity in the conditions of war.

   Andrii KARPENKO also presented his poetry collections and spoke about his active blogging activities.

   Such meetings contribute to the cultivation of patriotism, mercy, responsibility and respect for those who, alongside the fighters on the front line, carry out the invisible yet extremely important mission of supporting the soul and spirit of Ukraine’s defenders.

Communications Department of DSUIA