Congress of Prison Chaplains of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Held in Bryukhovychi
On June 16, in Bryukhovychi, the annual Congress of Prison Chaplains of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Bishop Bohdan Manyshyn, head of the Church’s Military Chaplaincy Department. The event lasted three days.
The Congress was reported by the Department for Pastoral Care in the Penitentiary System of Ukraine of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Bishop Bohdan addressed the participants with words of encouragement, inspiring them to persevere in their ministry and calling them to be witnesses of God’s mercy to those enduring the darkness of isolation and suffering.
The Congress offered chaplains an opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and spiritual insights, as well as to pray together for those entrusted to their care—prisoners, prison staff, and their families.
Especially valuable were the discussions on pastoral initiatives, the exchange of plans, and the unity in prayer, which strengthens each chaplain in their vocation.
On the first day, participants focused on the topic: “Conditions and Specific Features of Prison Ministry During Wartime: Working with Imprisoned Members of the Armed Forces, Prisoners of War, and Collaborators.”
Speakers included representatives of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine. The discussion addressed the current challenges of prison ministry during the ongoing war—namely, providing spiritual support to imprisoned members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under investigation or convicted; the unique pastoral care needs of prisoners of war in the context of international humanitarian law; and the moral and spiritual approach to those accused of collaboration.
On the second day, the discussions continued on ministering in wartime conditions—working with prisoners of war, those accused or convicted of collaboration, and soldiers who, for various reasons, find themselves behind bars.
Chaplains Fr. Oleh Nestor and Fr. Taras Zholdak shared their pastoral experiences.
Fr. Vladyslav Ihnatyshyn, Doctor of Biblical Theology and chaplain of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo, who serves at Uzhhorod Prison No. 9, also shared his insights.
He emphasized that when meeting a person behind bars, one often encounters a lack of self-awareness regarding their criminal identity.
Using the biblical example of Nathan and David, Fr. Vladyslav illustrated a method of guiding individuals beyond their false and criminal self-perception.
He outlined a behavioral model for prison chaplains during wartime, drawing on the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan and the actions of the holy apostles. He highlighted the importance of purity of heart, love for one’s people, and endurance in danger—to become victors and witnesses of justice.
The chaplains also reflected on the themes of righteousness and justice through the lens of the Book of Job, in a session led by Fr. Mykhailo Mykulanynets, Ph. D.
Following the study session, participants prayed a Moleben to Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky, the patron saint of prison ministry, and a Panakhyda for chaplains, penitentiary staff, prisoners, volunteers, the innocently killed, and all who gave their lives for Ukraine.
On the third day, the Congress focused on the topic of psychological assistance to those in places of deprivation of liberty.
