Maksym Abramov, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year – 2026” competition in the “Heart of Victory” category
Maksym Abramov is a 29-year-old military chaplain, holds a master’s degree in psychology, and is a community leader. His character was forged in his hometown of Sloviansk: attending Boarding School No. 1 and boxing instilled in him iron discipline, while the harrowing experience of the city’s occupation in 2014 led him to the Christian faith.
Before the war, Maksym volunteered at a rehabilitation center, helping people struggling with addiction. He later completed his mandatory military service and signed a contract with a special forces unit of the National Guard. When the full-scale invasion began, he took up arms to defend Ukraine. The wounds and concussions he sustained on the front lines allowed him to understand, from the inside, the pain of every soldier.
Today, Maksym combines practical ministry with a deep education: he is studying at the Kremenchuk Seminary and the Ostroh Academy. As a chaplain, he provides spiritual guidance to servicemembers, veterans, and their families, and supports the families of those killed in action, those taken prisoner, and those missing in action.
Maksym pays special attention to overcoming psychological trauma, researches the theology of war, and writes books on spiritual renewal. Through his example, he helps people find hope in the darkest times and restores soldiers’ zest for life.