The Ukrainian churches are deeply involved in the defense of their country, providing spiritual support, humanitarian aid, and advocating for justice, as highlighted by the Secretary General of the Danish Council of Churches. This involvement is so significant that President Zelenskyj has repeatedly thanked the churches for their efforts, recognizing their presence on the front lines. Christian symbols, songs, and prayers are integrated into the President’s appeals to the nation, and recruitment videos from the Ukrainian military feature soldiers whispering a version of the Ukrainian prayer.
The churches’ role extends beyond the military sphere. Church buildings serve as shelters during air raid alerts and as gathering points for volunteers. Church rooms have been transformed into emergency aid depots, providing assistance to traumatized families and working to protect the rights of freedom for all Ukrainians. Priests and volunteers offer support to soldiers and engage in conversations aimed at providing spiritual relief.
Christian values, while not necessarily the sole motivation for Ukrainian soldiers, offer hope, stories of self-sacrifice, and spiritual support during the conflict. Chaplains provide essential comfort, sometimes taking the last confession for soldiers at the front, fully aware of the potential finality of the moment.
The understanding of peace is also viewed through a Christian lens, emphasizing a “just peace” that preserves respect for human life, rather than simply the absence of violence. Ukrainians prioritize a peace that does not merely satisfy the aggressor at the expense of the victim.
The ecclesiastical view of war is evolving, with a shift away from previous pacifist stances in response to Russian aggression. This change reflects a recognition of the need to defend values and society, prompting reflection on the role of Christianity in this defense, without necessarily blessing acts of war.
The challenging question remains: How can love of enemies be reconciled with war? This complex issue will be a central topic of discussion between Danish and Ukrainian church leaders during an upcoming meeting in Copenhagen, offering an opportunity to learn how the churches are fulfilling their responsibilities, even on the front lines.