“Ukraine, be brought to complete unity in Christ!”
“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 43.3 million
Area | 603,550㎢, Located between eastern Europe and the Russian Federation.
Capital City | Kiev (3 million)
People Groups | Total 80 groups, Ukrainian 75.2%, Russian 17.1%, Romani 1.8%, Ruthenian 1.1%, Others 4.8%
Unreached People Groups | 29 (1.1% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Ukrainian, Russian
Total Languages | 73
Bible Translations | Completed 47, New Testament 13, Partial 8
Religion | Christianity 72.6% (Protestant 3.2%, Orthodox 58.3%), Non-religious 24.8%, Muslim 2.1% Evangelical 3.6%(1.58 million people).
》 About Ukraine
Ukraine began as the Ukrainian Soviet Republic in 1917 and became a founding member of the USSR in 1922. It gained independence in 1991. Geographically and culturally split between east and west, it has long experienced tensions between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions. The 2004 Orange Revolution brought election reforms and more freedoms. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, and Ukraine lost control over the region. However, the international community continues to recognize Crimea as Ukrainian territory. In the Donbas, pro-Russian forces declared independence, and conflict continues. President Zelensky has been in office since 2019. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine—the largest military attack in Europe since WWII. The war triggered massive civilian casualties and the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the war. Countries around the world condemned the invasion, sanctioned Russia, and supported Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid.
Ukraine’s economy collapsed after independence due to energy shortages and loss of trade with former Soviet states. It recovered from 1999, largely relying on trade with Russia for raw materials, energy, and agricultural exports. After tensions rose in 2014, Ukraine’s economy suffered again, leading to financial support from the IMF and the EU. Ukraine’s GDP per capita is approximately $10,700.
》 Scripture Focus
| John 17:20-26(NIV) 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. Ukraine has long been a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe, and between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. It embraced Orthodox Christianity in Kyiv over a thousand years ago. Though many are Orthodox, their faith is fragmented by syncretism. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, influenced by Russia, lost trust by supporting corrupt leaders. In contrast, Evangelical churches grew stronger through 130 years of persecution. Today, though still a minority, they’re expanding rapidly through charismatic movements, relational evangelism, leadership training, and church planting. Since the 2022 Russian invasion, evangelical churches have united to deliver aid and share the gospel. Jesus revealed His glory in the gospel so that the church may be made complete and one. Let us pray that Ukrainian churches will embody God’s heart, carry the power of peace in the gospel, and follow Christ with humility as true disciples.
2. During the Soviet era, foreign missionaries supported persecuted churches, and today, hundreds of organizations continue to work in Ukraine. However, many lacked understanding of local contexts and funding needs. Groups like Light in the East, IMB, SGA, and SEND played key roles. Thanks to their support, Ukrainian churches began to lead evangelism, children’s ministry (like camps and schools), and humanitarian work (in prisons, hospitals, orphanages, and food kitchens). Some even sent missionaries to other former Soviet countries. Since the 2022 war, most foreign missionaries have evacuated and are now helping refugees abroad or in their home countries. Ukrainian churches, however, continue to serve refugees and hold worship amid the conflict. Let us pray that God would sanctify His church with truth and make them people sent into the world yet not of the world. May those who obey in faith bring more believers into unity in Christ and into the fellowship of the Triune God.
3. For years, tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have lived on the streets or in orphanages. Over 60,000 suffer from Chernobyl’s effects or live with AIDS. The war with Russia has orphaned many more. In eastern Ukraine, especially, impoverished children lack government help and awareness about AIDS. Without church care, they’re vulnerable to drugs, crime, and trafficking. Let us pray that God will heal the wounds of these abandoned children with His love, and that they will know He sent Jesus Christ and loves them—and be transformed by that truth.
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