The Personal Story of Andrii Mishchenko
Andrii Mishchenko is much more than someone I have worked and served alongside for many years. To me, he is a Christian brother, a close friend and a companion with whom I have shared some of the most difficult years in Ukraine's modern history. For many years, Andrii has been involved in our spiritual and social projects, helping to organise the National Prayer for Ukraine, supporting military chaplaincy and becoming someone, I can rely on both in ministry and in life.
War touched Andrii's family long before the full-scale invasion. His own brother began defending Ukraine in 2014, serving in a special unit and surviving the tragedy of Ilovaisk. During more than twelve years of war, he has faced mortal danger and lost friends and brothers-in-arms, yet he continues to serve Ukraine. For Andrii's family, war has never been something distant, experienced only through the news.
On 24 February 2022, life changed for Andrii too. As the full-scale invasion began and many people were leaving Kyiv, he made a conscious decision to remain in the capital. I made the same decision. We did not know what the next day would bring, or how close the enemy might come to Kyiv, but we believed that God had kept us there for a reason.
In those first days, Kyiv was almost empty. The streets were marked by soldiers and checkpoints, with only a small number of volunteers remaining to serve those who were still there. Andrii and I stayed in contact almost every day. We met wherever possible, delivered aid, shared whatever we had, prayed and encouraged one another. We held on to the faith David had repeatedly expressed in prayer – that no Russian soldier would enter Kyiv. Looking back, we both remember those days with profound gratitude to God for the courage He gave us when, humanly speaking, there was very little reason for confidence.
In 2022, Andrii volunteered to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in his service. Today he holds the rank of Major and works in military chaplaincy. His responsibilities include developing chaplaincy work, cooperating with churches and military chaplains, and supporting those who minister in areas where Ukrainian defenders face the realities of war every day. Andrii has also undertaken numerous assignments to areas affected by active fighting.
To stand alongside – “Бути поруч” – is a principle that captures the heart of Andrii's chaplaincy ministry. A military chaplain is often called to be present precisely when ordinary human words are no longer enough. Andrii supports bereaved families and prays with the wives, children and parents of those who have given the most precious thing they had – their lives – in defence of their land and their people. At times, he has had to bring a family the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home, and then find the strength to remain beside them through the difficult hours that follow.
For Andrii, accompanying a fallen defender on his final journey is more than a military or professional responsibility. It is a deeply spiritual ministry. As a Christian, he entrusts that person into God's hands, prays with the family and seeks to bring God's love, peace and hope into a place otherwise filled with grief and a profound sense of injustice.
The cost of such ministry is high. Recently, one of Andrii's friends, a Christian military chaplain, was killed while serving in the combat zone. He went there not with a weapon in his hands, but to bring the Word of God, prayer and spiritual support to others. Such losses can never be taken lightly. Yet they reveal even more deeply what chaplaincy means - to stand alongside people in the very places where light, faith and hope are needed most.
During the years of war, Andrii has also undertaken professional training in the United Kingdom as a representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, learning and serving alongside British military chaplains. It was a valuable opportunity for mutual exchange – to learn from British experience while sharing what Ukrainian chaplains have learned through the realities of full-scale war.
This cooperation is another expression of the special bond that has developed between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. During these years of war, our nations have grown closer not only through military and practical support, but spiritually as well. We believe that God has used even this extraordinarily difficult time to strengthen the friendship, mutual respect and unity between our peoples.
Andrii also remains an important part of our shared ministry. He helps to involve military chaplains in the National Prayer for Ukraine, where they join us in prayer and contribute to working groups and organisational teams. For us, this goes far beyond formal cooperation. These are brotherly relationships between people united by a common faith, shared values and a vision for the future of Ukraine.
Behind the military uniform and the responsibilities of an officer is a husband, a father of two sons, a friend and a brother in Christ. His family also carries part of the cost of this calling, supporting him when duty once again takes him away from home. Despite everything he has experienced - the losses, the dangers and the emotional weight of his work - Andrii remains open to people and ready to stand alongside those who need him.
I particularly value the friendship Andrii and I have shared over many years. In February 2022, we both made the decision to remain in Kyiv. Looking back now, we understand that we supported one another as more than friends. We were brothers whom God had placed beside one another at a time when each of us needed faith, courage and someone we could trust.
We pray that the Lord will continue to protect Andrii, his family and all the military chaplains of Ukraine. Their ministry reminds us that even in the darkest places of war, people need more than protection and practical help. They need prayer, the Word of God, human warmth and hope.
To stand alongside where faith, hope and God's light are needed most – this is how Andrii understands his service to God and to people.
Vadym Preobrazhenskyi