Military chaplain Dmytro Buta from the Lviv region now carries out his spiritual ministry in the 7th Carpathian Border Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, staying alongside the service personnel in the most difficult moments of the war.
After finishing school, Dmytro entered the theological seminary. In 2019 he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology and began his priestly ministry at the Church of St John Chrysostom in Lviv. At that time, he was twice invited to transfer to ministry with the border guards, but at first he decided to remain with his parish.
The full-scale war changed his decision: Father Dmytro realised that his support was especially needed by those who risk their lives every day at the front. In January 2025 he joined the ranks of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as chaplain to the 7th Carpathian Border Detachment. According to him, those who are directly involved in combat feel God’s presence very keenly and are in particular need of spiritual support.
«Those who are directly involved in combat feel God’s presence, help and protection in a very subtle way. That is why our main task is to support the service personnel,» the chaplain explains.
Dmytro considers the most valuable part of his ministry to be his frank conversations with the border guards, especially with those returning from the front line. In these accounts are the dangers they have faced, their personal experience of faith, and moments which the soldiers themselves describe as God’s intervention and protection.
At the same time, the hardest thing for the chaplain remains the loss of soldiers and communicating with their families. He stresses that it is young people who are being killed, while at home children and parents are left behind, enduring immense pain. At such times, the clergyman says, the only true comfort for their loved ones must be the Lord.
Serving in a military environment has become for Dmytro Buta a school of deep trust, mutual support and human sincerity. His main motivation remains the desire to be of use to others and to help the soldiers find the strength to go on despite the trials of war.
Together with his wife, the chaplain is raising four sons. After the war ends, he dreams of devoting more time to his family and building their future together. For now, however, his priority is to be present alongside Ukraine’s defenders, who are in need of a kind word, prayer and support.