U.S. Adventist chaplains discuss religious freedom in Ukraine with DESS
Andrew Gayrwood's speech at the Refectory Church of the Lavra. Photo: adventist.ua
From December 3 to 6, 2024, Adventist chaplains from the USA, Ivan Omana and Andrew Harewood, visited Ukraine, reports the Adventist website in Ukraine.
The visit was organized by the General Conference of the Adventist Church with the support of local leadership. The chaplains held meetings with representatives of government bodies, including the State Service for Ethnopolitics (a meeting with Deputy Head of the DESS Viktor Voynalovych), the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Military Institute.
The U.S. Adventists also attended the "military breakfast" with Zelensky at the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The meetings focused on issues of religious freedom, the role of chaplains in Ukraine's recovery, support for prisoners of war, and spiritual aid for the military. The chaplains also visited wounded soldiers in a military hospital, where they discussed the importance of spiritual support for seriously injured soldiers.
As reported by the UOJ, an OCU chaplain called for providing priests with weapons for self-defense.
Read also
UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept
"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.
Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election
Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.
SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor
The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.
Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese
The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.
Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat
The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.