This morning on our method to the firing positions we stopped at some hidden previous buildings the place our troopers – our defenders – rested.
Alongside the entrance line the scars of conflict stretched so far as the attention may see; they have been contemporary and uncooked. The bottom beneath us shook with the explosions. The wind introduced smoke and sulphur, leaving a bitter aftertaste as if grinding our enamel.
We entered a darkish room. As our eyes adjusted to the dim mild, we seen a small range within the center. Its heat unfold via the chilly area, providing some consolation to the freezing troopers. Across the range we may make out many troopers resting on crates and crates of ammunition. Above them, damp clothes that resembled a spider net hung from shoelaces connected to the ceiling.
The troopers gathered round us on the benches, the others remained seated on their makeshift “beds”. We began our dialog. Amongst them was a person in his 60s. His face bore indicators of conflict exhaustion.
When Bishop Valery Antonyuk talked about Devil through the interview, everybody burst out laughing. At first we didn't perceive the rationale for his or her response. Later the commander defined that the soldier sitting close to us had the decision signal “Devil”.
The defender, who recognized himself as Devil, turned our interview into a fascinating dialogue together with his thought-provoking questions and feedback. He started by calling himself an agnostic, later claimed that Buddhism was the very best faith, and insisted that Devil by no means compelled anybody to do evil. As an alternative, he argued that Devil at all times gave individuals a selection. He claimed that Devil was a son of God who merely disobeyed his Father and claimed that Devil by no means lied and doesn’t deceive individuals right now. He urged us to ask God: Why conflict? Why the bloodshed? Why do youngsters die? All through the encounter, this soldier certainly resembled the determine of Devil in some methods.
Father Vasyl took the Bible and browse the account of how Eve and Adam have been deceived after they started to lie. The following dialogue was vigorous and deep as we delved into existential questions.
“Devil” then shared the story behind his name signal. He got here from Luhansk, now occupied by the Russians. His mother and father stayed there and supported the enemy as separatists. He mentioned he disobeyed his father and was compelled to depart, and now has no contact together with his mother and father. When he spoke, each phrase carried deep ache.
I learn a passage from Psalm 119, verses 84-94. A heavy silence fell over the room.
On the finish of our assembly, we proposed a joint prayer. The prayer was heartfelt, given the extreme environment. Right here we have been in a darkish hangar discussing Devil whereas bombs exploded outdoors.
As quickly because the prayer was over, 'Devil' requested aloud, “Can I’ve a Bible?” Father Vasyl gave him one as a gift. The soldier then requested if he may hug every of us. The conflict stole his mother and father and his hometown. The ache he felt was excruciating.
As we mentioned goodbye, one other soldier shared his story. He was additionally from Luhansk. His mother and father supported Ukraine and paid the last word worth. They died through the preventing when the enemy seized the Luhansk area.
He quietly requested, “I don't have the decision signal Devil, however may I’ve a Bible?” He added: “I by no means owned one however my mom learn it to me once I was a baby.” His identify was Ilja and he was 52 years previous.
As we returned to the car, Bishop Valery Antonyuk turned to 'Devil', who was escorting us, clutching the Bible tightly. “We’re supplying you with a brand new name signal,” mentioned the bishop. “Moses”.
