We are honored to share the inspiring story of Olexandr Rokytsky, a dedicated chaplain serving the people of Ukraine with unwavering faith and compassion. Through his ministry, Olexandr provides spiritual support, guidance, and hope to those in need, particularly in these challenging times.
Olexandr’s journey to becoming a chaplain is a testament to his deep faith and commitment to serving others. Feeling a profound calling to minister to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, Olexandr has devoted himself to offering spiritual care and emotional support to soldiers, families, and communities. His presence provides much-needed comfort and encouragement, reminding people of God’s love and strength.
Click to watch Olexandr’s story here or read it below:
“Hello, my name is Oleksandr Rokytskyi. I am 40 years old, married, and I am a deacon at the Salvation Church in Ostroh, as well as a minister of a rehabilitation center for addicts and combatants. I also perform chaplaincy service in the chaplaincy unit “Nabat”.
This year, I have completed my bachelor’s degree in Church Ministry at UBTS. I intend to continue my studies for a master’s degree.
I met Christ and accepted Him into my life in 2017. Until then, I was an enemy of Christ and led an immoral lifestyle, used drugs, drank alcohol, and generally did what I wanted, and thought was right. I thank God for stopping me and bringing me to the Svoboda Rehabilitation Centre in Ostroh and giving me repentance. After that, my life changed completely, with Christ and His Word as its foundation. God kindled in my heart a desire to serve and preach the Gospel to similarly “fallen” people.
My area of responsibility at the rehabilitation center includes the spiritual care of people who have completed their rehabilitation at the center and are now re-adapting to society. I am on duty at the center for one day a week (communicating with addicts, providing pastoral care, studying the Word of God). I am also in constant contact with the ministry team (meetings, fraternal meetings, etc.)
In 2022, when the full-scale invasion began (on the second day), I, along with another brother deacon, started a tent ministry near the military commissariat, where there were many people who wanted to go to defend the country. We treated them to coffee and tea with sandwiches, gave them the Gospel for the journey, prayed with them on the way, created prayer lists, and exchanged contacts. I still lead this ministry today.
About a month and a half after the start of the invasion, my brothers and I (5 of us) decided to go to the East, directly to the war zone to visit our defenders, I took part in the war in 2015-2016. It helped me to find a common language with the guys who are now defending our country. We started travelling to the East for at least 7-10 days every month and bringing them everything they need, according to their requests and needs. For almost 2.5 years of this ministry, we have established strong friendships with many soldiers. We try to provide for them by meeting their physical needs as well as supplying the Word of God. Many of them are fighting without break for more than 2 years and they are exhausted both physically and spiritually. We know that even after this bloody war is over, we will remain friends and will be able to help all these guys and invite them to our church.
Every month we look for the things the guys need (generators, uniforms, shoes, turnstiles, first aid kits, power stations, power banks, food, etc.), and then look for the ways we deliver it all to them. In one trip we covered about 5,000 kilometers. Once we reached the frontline, we go from Kharkiv to the Donetsk region, Zaporizhzhia, and end our trip in Kherson. During one trip we visited about 150-250 soldiers and delivered aid to them, approximately in 25-30 locations, for 7-10 days. We live with the guys, spend the nights, have lunch, get as close to them and their needs as possible. We talk a lot and try to answer their questions in the light of Scripture, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, and pray with them. It is an amazing time that the Lord gives us.
After returning home, I take care of our family and church affairs (ministry at the center as well as the Deacon’s ministry). Then we again ask the soldiers to form the lists of needs, announce financial needs, call our friends and partners, look for everything we need, and begin preparing for the next trip.
We also meet with our soldiers who come back on leave, or after being wounded, or who have been written off, and invite them to church with their families. This year, the wife of one of these soldiers will be baptized in our church in about a month. We see this as a great blessing from God and His glory.
Our chaplaincy unit is very happy when God gives us people who share our values and help us to serve these people together. We constantly have needs in the lists I mentioned above, as well as in connection with this ministry, personally, my family and I need financial support, as all our resources and all my time are directed to these ministries (Rehabilitation and Chaplaincy). We pray for this and believe that the Lord is helping and will help my family in the future.”
Support Olexandr’s Ministry
Ukraine on Mission continues to empower and support local leaders like Olexandr in their ministries. Your support is crucial in enabling them to continue their impactful work. We invite you to partner with us in supporting Olexandr’s chaplaincy ministry. Here are specific ways you can contribute:
Your generous donations can make a significant difference in the lives of many. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and the message of Christ to those in need through Olexandr’s chaplaincy ministry.
Donate Now and Partner with Us
Click here to make a donation and partner with us in supporting Olexandr’s ministry. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a lasting impact on the lives of those served by Olexandr’s compassionate care.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Ukraine on Mission and the incredible work being done by leaders like Olexandr.
