A MEETING WITH VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE ON THE OCCASION OF DEFENDERS AND DEFENDER WOMEN’S DAY

Sometimes, supporting a person does not require special words. It is enough simply to be there: to pray together, remember those who are no longer with us, sing a favorite song, talk around the same table, and simply feel that you are not alone.

That is what this day became — a special time for veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, service members, and their families. On the occasion of Defenders and Defender Women’s Day, the New Life Mission and the Odesa Chaplain Patrol organized a gathering filled with remembrance, prayer, sincere conversations, and warmth.

The gathering began with a moment of silence and a prayer for Ukraine. We honored the memory of fallen soldiers, prayed for our defenders, for those who are in captivity, and for peace in our country.

Then the music began. Songs were sung, people talked, smiled, and prayed together. For a while, it was possible to set aside the worries, feel the warmth of human presence, and simply be among those who understand the weight of what has been experienced.

After the official part, everyone gathered around a shared table. A delicious pilaf was prepared for the guests, and food packages, pizza, and freshly baked bread were also provided.

Because sharing a meal is also a way of saying: “We are here for you. You are not forgotten.”

Gatherings like this remind us that support is made up of simple but very important things: prayer, sincere conversation, care, a warm meal, music, and the time we give to one another.

We thank everyone who took part in this gathering and helped create an atmosphere of warmth, support, and unity.

We remember those who gave their lives for Ukraine. We honor those who defended and continue to defend our country. We pray for those who are in captivity and for every family that is waiting and carrying this burden.

And we continue to be there — to support, to help, and to give people warmth, hope, and the reminder that they are not alone.