“To be near is a great responsibility,” Bishop Stepan Sus on military chaplaincy
In an interview with the UGCC Department for Information, Bishop Stepan Sus, Curial Bishop of the Supreme Archbishop, reflected on the profound value of a priest’s presence alongside the military, particularly in the challenging circumstances of war.
“’To be near’ is not just a word; it is a great responsibility,” emphasized Bishop Stepan. “We need people in our lives who know how to be there for us, especially in those moments when we don’t want advice, sympathy, or even words.”
The phrase “To be near” has become the motto of military chaplaincy, and, according to Bishop Stepan, it perfectly encapsulates its essence.
The bishop shared memories from his time serving as a chaplain at the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy, where many cadets and soldiers who initially identified as non-believers later discovered faith through the example of a priest who remained steadfastly present.
“One soldier once told me, ‘I thank God that even when I called myself a non-believer, you stood by me. You didn’t give up on me. And now that I’ve entrusted myself to God, I understand that every military unit needs a chaplain,’” Bishop Stepan recalled.
The bishop also spoke with deep emotion about the funerals of fallen heroes: “Every funeral teaches me a lesson—perhaps the final lesson a soldier leaves for us on the day of his burial.” He explained that the sacrifice of a soldier for Ukraine serves as both an example and a call to action, urging others to live heroically so that their sacrifices are not in vain.
Additionally, Bishop Stepan revealed that he keeps the last messages of many fallen defenders with whom he corresponded on social media. In his view, the best way to honor these heroes is by continuing their mission: “We must not only bury our fallen heroes but also inspire and raise new ones—individuals who will live with dignity and work for the good of Ukraine.”
The UGCC Department for Information
