Serhii had a difficult life, but he possessed an extraordinary ability to rise again and keep moving forward. For nine months, he defended Ukraine and Europe against Russian aggression. He served in an assault unit on the very front lines — where some of the most horrific events of modern warfare take place.
This time became a true hell on earth for him. Serhii suffered numerous injuries and lost the ability to walk independently. He was evacuated to Norway in a wheelchair for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Here, he received prostheses and had to learn how to walk all over again. Thanks to Norwegian doctors and the support of people who met him with kindness and care, Serhii got back on his feet and began building a new life.
He was genuinely grateful to Norway. Serhii attended language school, settled into his new country, made friends, and gradually became an active member of the local community.
It was actually at the language school that we met for the first time. I was wearing a sweatshirt with the name of the blog I ran back when I lived in Ukraine. Serhii walked up, introduced himself, and said he had read my posts many times and already knew who I was. At the same time, he shared that he was a person of faith and a Christian. That is how our connection began.
When the Orthodox Mission of Saint King Olav was established in Bø, Serhii joined our community with great joy. He participated in services at Saint Thomas Chapel and Bø Old Church and was an active member of the Mission.
Last year, together with the rest of us, he took part in organizing the food festival hosted by SKI (Center for Qualification and Inclusion). Almost all students from the language school at Akkerhaugen participated. Together with Serhii, we cooked the traditional Ukrainian dish borscht and the Olivier salad. Many residents of Bø who came to Gullbring later enjoyed the food.
Serhii was a person of great depth. Looking into his eyes, one could see how much he had endured. Despite his tragic experiences, he retained his kindness, his faith, and his ability to care for others.
He was very fond of animals, nature, and fishing. He had a favorite spot where many Ukrainians living in Bø like to go fishing — the bridge leading to the island of Kattøya, not far from Porsgrunn. There, surrounded by Norwegian nature, he found peace.
His internship on a farm held an important place in his new life. Serhii truly enjoyed the work, and the farmer greatly appreciated his hard work, sense of responsibility, and reliability. Serhii was someone you could count on. I believe he had great opportunities to build a future in agriculture.
Bit by bit, he rebuilt his life: he learned to walk again, studied Norwegian, worked, bought a car, and found both friends and a church community. It seemed as though a new, peaceful chapter was opening for him after everything he had been through.
But that was precisely when tragedy struck. Serhii passed away in a traffic accident while on his way to his favorite fishing spot.
It is especially heartbreaking to think that Serhii, after surviving the war, severe injuries, and a long road back, passed away here in peaceful Norway, where he had just begun his new life. His parents were no longer alive, and we know of no other relatives. Therefore, the people he met in Bø became a new community and support system for him.
In accordance with Ukrainian Orthodox tradition, our congregation gathered on the ninth day after his passing. We prayed for his soul, lit a candle in his memory, and shared a memorial meal featuring traditional Ukrainian dishes. On the fortieth day, we will gather once again to pray together and remember Serhii.
We intend to apply to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) for permission to scatter Serhii’s ashes from Lifjell — over the peaceful Bø valley, where he tried to start a new life. We wish for him to remain here forever, among the mountains and nature where he found peace.
Everything Serhii experienced taught him to understand what truly matters in life. He valued friendship, kindness, and every single day he was given to live.
This is how we will remember him: as a strong, deep, hard-working, and responsible person who kept moving forward after everything he endured.
Serhii will forever remain in our memories and our prayers. Memory Eternal.
Fr. Andrii Pinchuk, priest
