Among roughly 3,000 churches, 110 no longer exist and 320 are in occupied territory following Russia’s invasion, according to a recent article by CBN news. A group of Ukrainian Christians are touring our nation to pursue support, weapons, and prayer.
Scanning the headlines, sources in mainstream media document similar stories of Christian churches being targeted and persecuted since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
State of Church Persecution in Ukraine
A recent PBS News Hour story by Simon Ostrovsky states, “Russia first occupied the Ukrainian city of Melitopol in March 2022. After the persecution of pro-Ukrainian activists, former government officials, human rights defenders and journalists, Russian secret services turned its attention to churches, their pastors and congregations.”
The reports of Russian military invasions and shutting down churches that don’t fit the Russian Orthodox Church of Moscow are causing serious concerns among Ukrainian pastors and religious leaders.
Ukrainian Christians Tour the United States
Defenders of Faith and Religious Freedom in Ukraine organized a group to tour the United States, raising awareness of the crisis. They’re visiting churches and meeting with government officials. Their goal is to develop support and share the events taking place in their home country.
Ukrainian military Chaplain Mark Sergeyev told CBN News that after an invasion at his home and learning about an abduction plot, they fled their city.
Pastors & Church Leaders Under Attack
Ostrovsky of PBS News Hour interviews multiple Ukrainian pastors who share stories of brutal invasions by the Russian military during worship services and forcing them to stop. Ostrovsky states, “Mikhaylo Brytsyn and Mark Sergeev are ministers who once led their flocks in the Southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol, but no longer.”
The Russian occupation has led to the negative stigmatization of evangelical congregations, Protestant churches, and other non-Russian Orthodox Christian faiths. Tens of thousands of believers have been displaced because of hostile takeovers. The remaining believers assemble secretly in private homes.
Haunted by Memories of the Old Russian Regime
During the tour, Igor Bandura, pastor and Senior Vice-President of the Baptist Union of Ukraine is speaking out and sharing his points of view during an interview with CBN News. He discusses memories of growing up in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and the lack of religious freedom. He says that Christian values were not supported in those times. Bandura says, “Whenever Russia comes, forget about freedom and religious freedom.”
While touring America, Bandura is requesting prayers from across the globe and serving as a witness to the religious injustices in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Group Seeks Support & Prayers with Gratitude
The latest tour is another attempt to raise awareness and support to combat religious persecution in Ukraine. In Oct, 2023 AP reported on a similar tour of Ukrainian interfaith leaders pleading for help. The AP article states, “The deputy senior bishop of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church, a Protestant denomination, said that since the February 2022 Russian invasion, some of his church’s pastors have been killed, and its seminary has been attacked by missiles. In Russian-occupied areas, he said, the church has been forced underground.”
The delegation’s visit last year included a variety of visits ranging from the U.S. State Department to the Houston medical community to thank those who helped bring medical aid to Ukraine. During the U.S. visit, Bishop Ivan Rusyn expressed his desire to speak with fellow evangelicals in America. In the AP article, Rusyn states, “Their fellow evangelical believers are being killed on an everyday basis.”
Both Ukrainian groups thanked the U.S. for their support but also highlighted the need for additional support, weapons, and prayers.
On a positive note, Ukrainian soldiers have received 30,000 audio Bibles to support scripture listening.
Conclusion
Based on the reported Ukrainian visits to America, the persecution of evangelical churches and other non-affiliates of the Russian Orthodox Church of Moscow is not improving. The common theme throughout the articles, interviews, and visits is a desperate need for prayer. As believers, we can implement the power of prayer for the body of Christ regardless of their location or circumstance.
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/faith-leaders-delegation-ukraine-support-01af17d0824ec75aa82a6e6562a783da
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