The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Presents the “Bright Heart of Gratitude” Award to Salesian Father Mykhailo Chaban
On June 3, the “Evening of Gratitude 2026” was held at LEM Station, an accessible community space in Lviv. The annual cultural and patriotic event, organized by the television channel Pershyi Zakhidny, honors individuals who support Ukraine during the war through their service, volunteer work, and professional activities. During the event, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, personally presented the “Bright Heart of Gratitude” award to Fr. Mykhailo Chaban.
The event, together with the award ceremony recognizing individuals who have become an example to others, was held for the fourth time. The project highlights the stories of priests, monastic communities, military chaplains, volunteers, and professionals from various fields who continue to serve others amid the challenges of war.
This year, the “Bright Heart of Gratitude” award was presented to Fr. Mykhailo Chaban, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of St. John Bosco in Ukraine and founder of the Pokrova Lviv AMP Football Club. The club trains Ukraine’s first amputee football team composed of servicemen and veterans living with amputations or other limb impairments.
Presenting the award, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that the stories of veterans who return to active life after severe injuries are a living testimony to the resilience of the human spirit.
“When you see how the power of the human spirit can breathe new life into a wounded and fragile body—how it lifts a person from a hospital bed, from illness, from despair—you truly begin to believe in the resurrection of the dead. If you have ever met someone who, through the strength of the spirit, has raised themselves up after such suffering, that encounter changes you forever. But when an entire football team of such people comes together—not merely standing on the field, but playing and winning—that is something truly extraordinary.”
The Primate also recalled meeting young Mykhailo, who became a source of inspiration for the amputee football players.
“When the team came to visit me in Kyiv, I noticed that young boy, who had also undergone an amputation. At first, I wondered what he was doing among all those grown men. But he was the one motivating them. That young boy tells a stern-looking man: ‘You can do it. Give it everything you have. Get up and fight.’ It is phenomenal. He calls himself the masseur of their spirit.”
According to the Head of the Church, the emergence and growth of amputee football became possible because a supportive environment was created where people could recover from profound losses and discover new meaning and purpose in life.
“For such a team to exist—for it truly to help restore the lives of our defenders—our Church created the space in which this could happen. The Church, as a mother and teacher, is a place where we not only believe in the risen Savior but also create a space of resurrection. Therefore, Father Mykhailo, it is my special joy to present this heart to you today and, on behalf of our heroic defenders, to say: ‘Thank you.’ Looking at these young men, who have truly begun a new chapter in life, we see the light of hope with which Ukraine shines before the world.”
In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav shared that he had arrived in Lviv after yet another massive attack on the capital. He stressed that even amid the trials of war, Ukrainians remain a people of hope and resurrection.
“It is difficult to put into words. Yet we know that death never has the final word in a person’s life. Our lives are far greater than anything our enemies can take from us. We are a people who rise again and again, like a phoenix from the ashes. And when football returns to full life, we will show the world the light of hope that shines for Ukraine and from Ukraine. Today we ask the Lord God to grant us the strength of that hope. Our hope is always rooted in the resurrection and eternal life. May the Lord bless our defenders. May we be able to help everyone who has fallen rise again. May everyone who has lost a limb find the strength to stand once more. Together we say today: ‘Thank you, and glory to Ukraine!’”
Receiving the award, Fr. Mykhailo Chaban noted that the project, launched nearly three years ago, has become an important instrument for supporting and rehabilitating Ukrainian servicemen and veterans.
“I am very happy that this dream—that seed we planted—has borne such wonderful fruit. Twenty teams competing in the Ukrainian championship is something truly remarkable. It gives our defenders an opportunity to find peace, purpose, and time for recovery. We see how much being part of a team helps our soldiers.”
The priest thanked everyone who supports the development of amputee football in Ukraine, especially the servicemen and veterans who inspire others by their example.
“I would like to thank our congregation and its leadership for supporting this project, the Church for standing behind this initiative, and the entire team that works to ensure our boys and girls feel at home and can begin a new chapter in life. Above all, I want to thank our soldiers and veterans. They are a true example of courage, endurance, and resilience for each of us, for our children, and for our youth.”
Photo: The League of the Strong
Concluding the event, Fr. Mykhailo invited everyone to support the amputee football teams during the Ukrainian Championship, which will take place at Lviv’s SKIF Stadium on June 13–14.
“Our team, Pokrova, will be competing in the championship. We would be delighted to see the stadium, which seats around 5,000 spectators, filled to capacity as we come together to support our players.”
The event also featured video stories about people whose service, professional work, and civic commitment inspire others and make a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian society.
The UGCC Department for Information
