“Caring For the Spirit”: Father Andriy Zelinsky’s book on pastoral care for military personnel published
In anticipation of Military Chaplain Day, which is observed in Ukraine on October 12, the publishing house “Dukh & Litera” released the book “Caring for the Spirit. Reflections on the Spiritual and Theological Foundations of Pastoral Care for Military Personnel” by Fr. Andriy Zelinsky, S. J., deputy head of the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
The new edition, which the author has dedicated to his brothers in mission—military chaplains—is a theological reflection on pastoral ministry in the military in the context of the contemporary challenges facing chaplaincy in Ukraine and worldwide.
“The military chaplain’s commitment to the warrior’s spirit begins with an awareness of his own mission and responsibility — to fearlessly and confidently seek God in the human: to see and believe in what you cannot see, and instead of dwelling on the superficial, discern the eternal in the overwhelming turbulence generated by countless orders and the people who are commanded to carry them out,” notes Fr. Andriy Zelinsky in the publication.
The book features several thematic chapters: “Spirit,” “Care,” “Spirit of a Warrior,” “Spirit of a Unit,” and “Spirit of a Commander,” in which the author consistently develops his own concept of pastoral care, combining theological vision and practical experience of service in the military.
Among the topics are spiritual practices, the prayer of a military chaplain, Christian leadership, pastoral legacy, values, and challenges of spiritual life in a military environment.
According to the author, the book may be useful primarily to military chaplains, theologians, seminarians, religious scholars, military personnel in the field of psychological support, and anyone interested in issues of spiritual support for the military.
The publication will soon be available on the website of the publishing house “Dukh & Litera” (Spirit and Letter).
