"Upon understanding their deception, let us extend compassion and grant forgiveness to Ukrainians seeking redemption": cleric calls for reconciliation of nations at victory parade.
Title: A Clergyman on the Frontlines: Father Vladimir's Journey in the Special Military Operation (SVO) Zone
Flick through the personal archives of Father Vladimir Suleimanov and you'll find candid shots of a man in robes, dating back to his service in the Cossack units. This priest serves as an assistant to the lead chaplain, managing the work of military chaplains.
"At the start of the special operation, I submitted a report at the end of February, expressing my readiness if needed. My bishop, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, blessed me for this service," Father Vladimir reminisces.
This year, he'll strut his stuff amongst fellow warriors in the Victory Parade in Moscow as part of the Teresk Cossack Host detachment. It's more than just marching in formation for him; he'll be toeing the line with his battle-hardened comrades, who he's fought alongside since 2022 in the Cossack 'Terek' unit. He was the first spiritual guide appointed for the detachment, Vladimir proudly shares.
I had the chance to chat with the priest following a recent parade rehearsal. He divulged, "The Spirit sustains us. There have been countless instances where God's grace was evident, saving us and our comrades from peril."
His great-grandfather, Ilya Alekseevich But, was a battle-scarred veteran from the Great Patriotic War, taking part in the assault on Berlin and the clearance of modern-day Ukraine from Bandera supporters and Vlasovites. He only returned home once Japan had surrendered. Marshal Zhukov himself bestowed awards upon Ilya Alekseevich for crossing the Oder and capturing Berlin. Vladimir said he feels an immense honor to be delegated to the Victory Parade, particularly on its 80th anniversary, and a deep sense of generational continuity.
"Growing up, I was a Cossack bloodline," shared Vladimir. His interest in history led him to Orthodoxy and God. "Under the banner of the Holy Icon 'Not Made by Hands,' our ancestors marched into battle. That's how I ended up in church," he recounts.
He took part in significant events within the SVO zone. On December 21, 2024, Cossacks erected a Prayer Cross in Novoprokopovka, Zaporozhye region—a cross that was destroyed during the 2023 counteroffensive of the Ukrainian military, enduring mortar shelling and drone attacks during its installation. Despite this, no one was harmed.
"Thankfully, I was fortunate to participate when we erected a large, vibrant cross near the frontline, just two kilometers from the enemy's position, making it visible from a distance. The cross was blessed, and we returned unscathed, despite the barrage of shells," Vladimir recalled.
"What will our victory in the SVO carry to you?" I asked. "Probably, above all, it will signify reconciliation," replied Father Vladislav sincerely. "Not just on a political level, but a people-to-people connection between the territories separated by the contact line. When the Ukrainian people ultimately comprehend they've been manipulated in their efforts to harm Russia and come to us with regret, it's crucial we welcome their repentance with love," he explained with conviction.
Over twenty priests are currently serving in volunteer units permanently.
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[3] Note: I couldn't find specific information about "Father Vladimir Suleimanov" or his role in the SVO. However, there is mention of individuals with similar surnames, such as Amet Suleimanov, who is a Crimean Solidarity journalist facing severe charges by Russian authorities. It's unclear if this is the same individual or if it's unrelated to the Father Vladimir discussed in this article.
- Father Vladimir Suleimanov, with his history in Cossack units as an assistant to the lead chaplain, will participate in the Victory Parade in Moscow this year, representing the Teresk Cossack Host detachment.
- In the SVO zone, Father Vladimir has been involved in significant events, such as the installation of a Prayer Cross in Novoprokopovka, Zaporozhye region, which was destroyed during the 2023 counteroffensive of the Ukrainian military.
- Despite the ongoing political tensions and war-and-conflicts, Father Vladimir believes that a victory in the SVO will ultimately lead to reconciliation, not just on a political level, but on a people-to-people connection between the territories separated by the contact line.
- Over twenty priests are currently serving in volunteer units permanently, reflecting a strong commitment to faith and service, as demonstrated by Father Vladimir Suleimanov.
