"Priest offering prayers for reconciliation among peoples, as he anticipates Ukrainians recognizing their deception: a call for compassion."
A Faithful Warrior in Russia's midst: Father Vladislav Suleimanov
Hailing from a line of courageous Cossacks, Vladislav Suleimanov, a devout priest, finds himself playing an intriguing role in present-day Russia. As an assistant to the chief priest overseeing volunteer and Cossack units, he serves as a spiritual guide to military chaplains.
- When the latest military operation commenced, I put forth a report at the end of February expressing my readiness, should the need arise for priests. My bishop and ruling hierarch, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, bestowed his blessing on me for this service, says the priest.
This year, he will walk with pride among the parade company of the Teresk Cossack Host in the Victory Parade held in Moscow as part of a historic first for a priest.
- It's not merely about marching in formation; I'll be walking alongside comrades-in-arms, those I've stood with since 2022 in the Cossack 'Terek' unit. I had the honor of becoming the first spiritual father of the detachment, shares Vladislav.
Life on the frontline can be brutal and harrowing. I asked the priest about the secret to his fortitude amidst the grim reality of war.
- It's the Spirit that lends strength. There have been countless instances where God's mercy, His help, shines through, ensuring we and our comrades, who could have perished, miraculously survived. That's what powers us on the battlefield, confesses the priest.
His great-grandfather, Ilya Alekseevich But, fought in the Great Patriotic War from June 1941. He advanced as far as Berlin and contributed to the liberation of lands in modern Ukraine from Bandera supporters and Vlasovites. He didn't return home until the Japanese surrender.
- He was decorated by Marshal Zhukov for crossing the Oder and capturing Berlin. For my family, it's an immense honor to have me represent them in the Victory Parade, especially on its 80th anniversary. And certainly, the legacy of generations is alive, shares Vladislav.
As a descendant of the Cossacks, Vladislav was steeped in history from an early age. Fascinated by the past, history led him to Orthodoxy and ultimately, God.
- It was under the banner of the Holy Image of Christ Not Made by Hands that our ancestors marched into battle. That's how I found my way to the church, met many honorable fathers, and eventually decided to attend a theological seminary, he recollects.
Vladislav found himself amidst significant events in the special military operation zone. On December 21, 2024, Cossacks erected a Prayer Cross in the settlement of Novoprokopovka, Zaporizhzhia region – a cross that was destroyed during a Union counteroffensive in 2023. The installation was accompanied by mortar and drone attacks, but no one was harmed.
- By divine providence, with the bishop's blessing, I had the fortune to participate in the installation of the cross right on the frontline, mere kilometers away from the enemy's position, bless it, and, through divine intervention, returned unscathed despite the attacks, he relates.
- What does our victory in this military operation mean to you?
- Most likely, it's reconciliation, answers Father Vladislav confidently. Not between states and their leaders. But between the people on both sides of the conflict. When the Ukrainian people finally realize that they have been deceived all this time, trying to harm Russia, and come to us with repentance. And then, it's our responsibility to accept their repentance with love, he believes.
Approximately 20 priests serve in volunteer units on a permanent basis today.
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- Father Vladislav Suleimanov shares that he reported his readiness to serve as a priest during Russia's latest military operation, receiving the blessing from his bishop, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk.
- Vladislav will walk in the Victory Parade alongside his comrades-in-arms from the Cossack 'Terek' unit, stating that it's not merely about marching in formation but standing shoulder to shoulder with those he's served with since 2022.
- Recounting his experience on the frontline, Father Vladislav attributes his strength to the Spirit, citing instances where divine intervention and God's help ensured their and their comrades' survival.
- As a descendant of Cossacks, Vladislav finds inspiration in the past, having been fascinated by history and ultimately drawn to Orthodoxy and the church, just as his ancestors were under the banner of the Holy Image of Christ Not Made by Hands.
