Father Andrew, in the world Andrei Zelinsky, military chaplain.

About this on his page in Facebook wrote Cyborgs-2015 - art-project about heroes of our time.

Resident, has three higher education: philosophical, theological and political. The two first got abroad. Third - at the Kyiv Mohyla Academy. As chaplain, he started at the Academy of ground forces. Last years lives in Kiev, is serving in the Kiev garrison.

Over the years the armed forces have become for Andrew's second family. Someone from the friends married someone baptized children, someone always comes in Confession, someone to seek advice, support, spiritual support, and someone, unfortunately, had to read the burial service.

When fighting broke out in Eastern Ukraine, has become hard to sit in Kiev. Andrew went to the Department for cooperation with the security forces of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and said, "Send me to the front." There were two conditions to go forward, and that it was the Armed forces of Ukraine.

Started under the besieged Slavyansk. Lived in a military camp. One of the tents turned into a field temple. The altar is made from the table, which gave local residents. For candlesticks used the covers of pomegranate, in Cinci ammunition from lit candles for the health or repose. The local clergy gave icons. There held services morning and evening. Came who could. And yet every day the soldiers came to confess. In the war because the need to communicate with God escalates significantly. Even atheists start believing in God. Pray almost everything, each in its own way.

Since that time, happened to be in the hottest spots across the confrontation line.

When around fires and buzzing, our positions flying mines, when they are falling soldiers from wounds, and the enemy artillery mercilessly tearing around the earth, the air permeates the furious roar of the rockets, when there is not enough heat and light, sleep and rest, Father Andrew is happy to be there, to be in its place. When the guys during the shelling of taking up arms, gets near them, armed with a prayer for each of them. At this time he is thankful to the Lord for what he allowed to be around him, allowed him to become a brother to many.

While MO attempts to legitimize the institution of the army's priests, the Holy fathers protect the souls of soldiers on a voluntary basis.

June 4, 2015 Andrey Zelinsky was awarded the title of "national Hero of Ukraine" and was awarded the first non - state award-the order of "national Hero of Ukraine".

photo by Roman Psachna

Source: Facebook "CBarge - 2015" / Cyborgs - 2015