A Wedding Born of Hope: The Story of Ruslan and Alyona

Each session is a story of healing, support, self-discovery, and connection. But sometimes, they are true miracles.

This summer, one such miracle happened to Ruslan and Alyona—a couple who went through war, the loss of their home, and separation but found a new anchor in faith and each other. After several days at the project, getting to know Father Vasyl Kinakh and psychologists Tetiana Kril and Nataliya Chorna, and discussing faith, love, and trust, they made a decision: to get married in a church.

Before this, Ruslan and Alyona were in a civil marriage, had raised two children, and were forced to flee war-torn Mariupol while Ruslan was already defending the country. But it was here, in the cozy rehabilitation space, that they first felt the call to take a step towards God—and towards each other.

The wedding was a surprise to the entire group and a huge joy. There were a few days of preparation: finding outfits, a bouquet, and professionals who kindly helped. We thank everyone who contributed: photographer Halyna Bodnar; the “Milena” wedding and evening dress salon (45 Ivana Franka Street, Lviv); the “Karat” hair salon (41 Ivana Franka Street, Lviv); the “Garden” flower studio (1 Kostomarova Street, Lviv); makeup artist Anastasia from “Brow & Makeup” (59 Chornovola Avenue, Lviv); and, of course, the staff of the VSP “Methodical — Information Bureau ‘COV Branch’” base, who arranged a festive dinner outdoors.

The marriage took place in a special place—the Krekhiv Monastery. The ceremony was performed by the spiritual director of the rehabilitation camp for military families, Father Vasyl Kinakh. The newlyweds stepped onto the Ukrainian ritual rushnyk (towel), and as they exited, children showered them with rose petals and waited for candy. The whole group accompanied the newlyweds all the way to the Krekhiv spring—with balloons, joy, and sincere wishes. It was a day of love, faith, and hope.

After they returned, there was a joint dinner, warm final words, hugs, and goodbyes. It was the last evening of this rehabilitation session. But each couple returned home not only with symbolic gifts but also with a lightness in their hearts, smiles, and the feeling that life goes on—even after loss, pain, and darkness.