Embracing Humanity in the Darkness of War: A Conversation with Father Andriy Zelinskyy
During a recent visit to Rome for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Jesuit Father Andriy Zelinskyy, from the Patriarchal Curia of the Greek Catholic Church, shared his insights with Vatican News on the importance of caring for the wounds caused by constant attacks against truth, justice, and beauty.
By Svitlana Dukhovych
“Being alongside the military to make God present among us, in the darkness of war.”
These are the words of Father Andriy Zelinskyy, SJ, Deputy Head of the Military Chaplaincy Department at the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, as he described his mission during a conversation with Vatican News.
Father Zelinskyy was in Rome to participate in a meeting of military ordinaries and chaplaincy leaders organized by the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) before joining the events of the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security.
Reflecting on the Jubilee, Father Zelinskyy emphasized the importance of staying close to one another in order to not lose hope in the darkness of today’s world and to keep our gaze fixed on the Crucifix, never forgetting the Resurrection.
Exploring the Role of a Military Chaplain
According to Father Zelinskyy, the primary duty of a military chaplain is to care for the spirit, which involves tending to the humanity of those they serve. To serve humanity is to serve the divine within humanity, recognizing that we are made in God’s image and are a reflection of God’s presence in Creation. This means standing close, walking alongside people, and making God present among us, especially in the midst of the darkness of war.
Understanding Humanity in the Midst of War
When asked about the concept of humanity and its relevance today, Father Zelinskyy highlighted the wounded state of humanity due to war and atrocities. He stressed the importance of recognizing humanity as a manifestation of God’s presence in Creation, embodying characteristics such as truth, goodness, justice, and beauty. Even in the darkness of war, Father Zelinskyy emphasized the importance of contemplating beauty and recognizing the beauty of a heart ready to serve and share, as seen in both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
For Father Zelinskyy, being human is a gift that requires effort to reflect the divine presence within our hearts and spirits. He outlined four key qualities—seeking truth, choosing goodness, defending justice, and contemplating beauty—that guide the way, even in the midst of war’s darkness.
Challenges Faced by Chaplains in the Context of War
One of the greatest challenges for military chaplains, according to Father Zelinskyy, is witnessing the destruction of humanity in real, tangible ways, whether in a friend, a child, or a fellow human being. He expressed the difficulty of seeing beauty, innocence, and humanity itself being destroyed not only by physical means but also by the unwillingness to fight for justice and take responsibility. Father Zelinskyy emphasized the moral challenge of witnessing such destruction while the world chooses to turn a blind eye.
Learning from International Experiences in Military Chaplaincy
Father Zelinskyy highlighted the exchange of experiences between Ukraine and other countries in the field of military chaplaincy, noting that Ukrainian chaplains’ battlefield experience is sought after by partners seeking to learn and understand the changing world. He emphasized that the wounds of war affect all of humanity, calling for a collective responsibility in caring for this wounded humanity.
Nurturing Hope Amidst the Pain of War
As the Holy Year of “Pilgrims of Hope” unfolds, Father Zelinskyy reflected on the importance of maintaining hope in the midst of pain and suffering. He emphasized the need for companionship and love to sustain hope, especially in the darkness of war. Father Zelinskyy encouraged turning towards the Crucifix as a source of hope, reminding military chaplains and the Ukrainian people of the message of the Resurrection and the promise of a new dawn.
Ultimately, Father Zelinskyy urged for solidarity, resilience, and a shared commitment to seeking truth, choosing goodness, defending justice, and contemplating beauty, even in the face of war’s darkness. Despite the challenges and wounds inflicted upon humanity, he emphasized the importance of remaining men and women of hope, standing together and walking forward with eyes fixed on the Crucifix.
