Kyiv hosted the second Military Prayer Breakfast, an event that brought together Ukraine’s top political leadership, clergy from various Christian traditions, military chaplains, families of fallen soldiers, security officials, and international guests. The gathering took place on Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day, underscoring the spiritual dimension of the nation’s defense.
Source: Ukrinform
Addressing the participants, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to church and community leaders for their unwavering support of Ukraine’s defenders:
“Thank you for supporting us — with your prayers, hopes, words, and deeds. We must speak clearly: this is an important day. If we forget those who defended Ukraine, we will lose the truth about who gave us life and hope,”
— he said.
Among those present were Speaker of Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, Head of Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, senior military officials, and chaplains representing every branch of the Armed Forces.
Defense Ministry: Chaplains are restoring hope on the frontlines
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the critical role of chaplains serving alongside soldiers:
“Nearly 500 chaplains from 13 religious organizations serve alongside our troops. They find words to overcome despair, restore faith, and return hope. This is a daily struggle for human dignity under inhuman conditions.”
Budanov: Interfaith unity is essential for victory
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, highlighted the unity among Christians of different traditions:
“People of various denominations today are united by a single purpose — praying for victory and for every soldier. Unity has always been the source of our strength. Today it is more necessary than ever.”
A tradition continued: supporting soldiers through prayer
Families of fallen defenders, volunteers, and civic leaders also took part in the event.
The first Military Prayer Breakfast was held in December 2024 at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. This year’s gathering continues the tradition of interfaith support for Ukraine’s defenders and affirms the crucial role of chaplaincy during wartime.
