Over the past one year and a half, we have been so immersed in the topic of war that we can easily distinguish between the sounds of «it landed somewhere» and «Air  Defense is working», and the words «kamikaze» and «motorbike» have acquired a new meaning for us. We can tell you how a ballistic missile differs from a cruise missile, we know what air reconnaissance, gunners, tankmen, paratroopers, and combat medic do. And how often have you heard about the work of military chaplains?

Today, our history is about Yurii Sydorenko, a resident of NIBULON, who in civilian life worked as a security guard in the company’s security service. Unlike other military ranks and specialties, chaplain is not a profession, but rather a true calling. We asked Yurii how he came to it and how he met the first days of the war.

«In general, I am a professional military by education. Back in 1997 I graduated from the Kyiv Air Force Institute, majoring in «Support and logistics». Performed military service in Sevastopol and Mykolaiv.

In 2004, I decided to resign from the rank of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and open own business. Things were going well for a few years, then the global economic crisis began, my partner unexpectedly died, and I was diagnosed with a serious disease. Doctors just threw their hands up after each unsuccessful treatment regime, and my condition get worst each day. That was a real black streak in life. I realized that neither status, nor wealth, nor influential acquaintances, nor doctors would be able to help me. At some moment I decided to turn to God. I began to pray, read the Bible, go to church, although my strength was already very low. And when I was almost at the edge of abyss, during the praying for me by a Polish clergyman, God cured me. Some will call it a successful treatment that finally happened, some a medical miracle, some an ordinary miracle. But the fact remains: the disease has receded.

In 2011 I decided to enter the extramural studies of the Kyiv Theological Seminary at the faculty, where military chaplains were prepared. And almost simultaneously I received a job offer from NIBULON. I had a very convenient schedule that allowed me to combine work and study with practice in the military units of Mykolaiv station», – said Yurii during the telephone conversation.

The events of February 2022 were very well etched in his memory, and he did not have to decide whether to go to the front: in 2015, after graduating from the Seminary, Yurii joined the ranks of the Armed Forces as a military chaplain:

«I felt that this is exactly my call and my mission in life, which was determined from above. In February, I remained as officer-chaplain with the 57th division, which held positions in the Luhansk region. We knew that there would be a big advance, we just did not have an exact date. In that region, serious events began to happen a week before the full-scale invasion. We felt it from the systematic shelling of our positions. On February 20, I asked for leave from my commander to go to Mykolaiv, to my family. When it all started, I really wanted those first explosions that rang out the airfield almost under the windows of our house, were not missiles, but ordinary firecrackers…

The first thought was to move the family, children far away from the airfield to a safe place, and come back to the Luhansk region to the boys.

Now I perform military service in the command of one of the army corps as head of the chaplain service. My officer rank is lieutenant colonel. I organize spiritual- awareness activities, pastoral and psychological assistance to servicemen of our combat units. I help people overcome stress, post-traumatic syndromes and spiritual disorders. Sometimes it may seem that our boys are made of iron and steel, but they need moral support and support after what they are going through too.

Exit from the almost surrounded Lysychansk, months of constant shelling, Soledar, our successful offensive on Kherson… This is a series of very difficult, but memorable events for me over the past year and a half, when I saw what our soldiers are really capable of and how much effort is worth each meter of free land».

About his most cherished dream and desire, Yurii answers as follows:

«I wish that all Ukrainians would be saved in this extremely difficult time, and the servicemen would return home alive and healthy and only with victory! That our families live in peace and harmony! For each of us to return to the peaceful life we deserve.

I want and I hope to see my colleagues soon, many of whom have become good friends. I consider it a real honor to work in such a company as NIBULON, with talented people, patriots of their country and their work. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues for their moral support and financial assistance. Together to victory!»