A Cleric's Tale: Priest Vladislav Suleimanov's Journey
"After Ukrainians comprehend their deception, we should extend forgiveness with affection": A church representative at the Victory Parade requests peace among nations.
Step into the life of Priest Vladislav Suleimanov, an assistant to the primary church official overseeing volunteer and Cossack units. He plays a significant role in guiding military chaplains.
Initiated his service during a special operation, Vladislav expressed his readiness to serve as a priest, if needed. His bishop, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, warmly approved this service - as he reminisces.
In 2025, Vladislav will join the parade in Moscow, marching with his fellow comrades-in-arms of the "Terek" Cossack unit. Beyond the military, he regards this experience as a bonding journey with those he has served since 2022.
More Than a Parade Walk
In a unique unfolding of Russia's story, a priest will stride in the Victory Parade for the first time. Beyond the marching in formation, Vladislav anticipates walking alongside his battle-tested companions.
Oh, the strength that keeps me grounded amid death and maintains my spirit? - I asked the priest, fresh from a parade rehearsal.- It's the Spirit that bolsters us. God's mercy and assistance shines brightly in countless scenarios where we, ourselves, could have perished, but survived, he admitted.
His great-grandfather, Ilya Alekseevich But, was part of the Great Patriotic War fronts since June 1941. He reached Berlin and played a part in ridding current Ukraine of Bandera followers and Vlasovites. He returned home only after Japan's surrender.
*The honor of personally receiving commendation from Marshal Zhukov for crossing the Oder and capturing Berlin holds immense pride for my family. Representing our lineage at the Victory Parade, particularly on its 80th anniversary, feels profound. And indeed, the continuum of generations is palpable, - Vladislav shared.
Hailing from a Cossack family, Vladislav's ancestors migrated to the Stavropol region from the Poltava Governorate. His fascination with history ignited his religious journey, leading him to embrace Orthodoxy and devotion to God.
*I dedicated my service under the banner of the Holy Icon "Not Made by Hands." That's how I found myself in church, crossed paths with numerous honorable father figures, and eventually made the decision to pursue my education at a theological seminary, - he recalls.
Amid the conflict zone, Vladislav saw key events up-close. A noteworthy instance was, on December 21, 2024, Cossacks erected a Prayer Cross in the Novoprokopovka settlement, Zaporizhzhia region. Destroyed during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023, the cross was reinstalled despite relentless enemy fire. By divine providence, despite the mortar and drone bombardment, everyone remained unscathed.
*By some divine miracle, with the blessings of the Bishop, I found myself taking part in this remarkable occasion when we raised a towering, radiant cross along the frontline, merely two kilometers away from the enemy position, so it could be seen from afar, blessed it, and miraculously, despite the shelling, we retreated unharmed, - he shared.
What does our success in the special operation signify to you?I believe it primarily signifies reconciliation. And not between states and their leaders, but between people on both sides of the contact line. When the Ukrainian populace eventually grasps they were deceived in their attempts to harm Russia, seeks forgiveness, and we respond with love, - Father Vladislav believes.
Approximately 20 priests are currently serving in volunteer units on a permanent basis.
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- Priest Vladislav Suleimanov, a chaplain for military units in the Stavropol region, has shared his unique story that intertwines politics, history, and personal reflection, as he prepares to participate in the upcoming Victory Parade in Moscow.
- His great-grandfather, Ilya Alekseevich But, served in the Great Patriotic War and played a significant role in the liberation of Ukraine, an experience that Vladislav reflects upon as he prepares to take part in the Victory Parade.
- As a descendant of Cossack ancestors who migrated from the Poltava Governorate to the Stavropol region, Vladislav's journey into the Orthodox faith began with his fascination with history, leading him to become a priest and serve as a military chaplain.
- Amid the conflict zone, Vladislav has managed to remain unscathed in key instances, such as the installation of the Prayer Cross in the Novoprokopovka settlement, highlighting the divine protection that guide his actions and those he serves.
