Prayers & Encouragement for Chaplain Hillar Alkok & His Family

Hillar (right side) with Yaroslav Malko (far left) in Kiev to instruct at the opening of the Ukraine Academy for Law Enforcement Chaplains July 2019

Our dear friend, retired Toronto PS Chaplain Hillar Alkok, former CPCA Registrar, current chaplain for Boots on the Ground, has gone into hospice care this week after the return of cancer. At the beginning of 2026, Hillar shared with me that he was feeling stronger and much better, and we were hopeful that the cancer would remain in remission. Recently, he was working on writing a book that focuses on the struggles of the people in Ukraine.

Hillar sharing about police chaplaincy on Kiev Square

The police missions trip that we went on together in 2019 continues to be the highlight of all my previous ministry ventures. A big reason why it remains so endearing to me is because of the company I kept, and the honor Hillar bestowed upon me as we partnered together to unpack chaplaincy for police and military officials, church and community leaders. Our team led by Ukraine police chaplain and founder of the Ukrainian Academy of Chaplains for Law Enforcement Agencies Yaroslav Malko, travelled from Kiev to Mariupol (Donetsk Region), from Slavynsk to Lisichansk, Severodonetsk, Rubejnoe (Luhansk Region), and finally to the city of Kharkov in Eastern Ukraine. Although Hillar exceeded me in years of police chaplaincy service and experience, he encouraged me to take the lead in presentations while sacrificing his time of sharing; he felt God had directed him to do so. Through these acts of humility, he nurtured my growth and enhanced my experiences with the people in Ukraine. Hillar is a man of integrity who values others and encourages them to step into what God has called them to do; this is his DNA.

Hillar with his arm around the Acting Police Chief for the Luhansk Region of the Patrol Police

This week, Hillar's wife Anne shared that, "the cancer is back and has spread to his lungs and liver. There is nothing more they can do for him." Anne said they are not sure about timelines but their plan is to have a small funeral in Cochrane, Alberta (their current place of residency), and then a celebration of life in Toronto. Anne added that Hillar would love to have some of the CPCA members involved.

Hillar with Ukrainian interpreter Milla speaking to a group of church and community leaders

I've asked and received Anne's permission for an email address that can be used to send Hillar messages as he and his family go through this challenging and difficult time. If you send your messages to the email address of Annealkok@gmail.com your messages will be shared with Hillar. Knowing how important those who serve in chaplaincy and law enforcement are to Hillar, the words you share in the near future will encourage and brighten Hillar's days. Hillar impacted many lives; now is our opportunity to be a blessing to him and his family through our words. Please keep the Alkok family in your prayers.

With deepest gratitude,

Rev. Bruce Ewanyshyn

CPCA President & ICPC Director of Region 1

Honorary Chaplain for Brandon PS & Retired Constable

First sessions of the Ukraine Training Academy for Law Enforcement Chaplains in Kiev, July 2019