“I will grant salvation to Ukraine, my glory!”
I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel. (Isaiah 46:13,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 has been influenced by Christianity for centuries, and its history is one of challenge and renewal. Christianity began in present-day Kyiv a thousand years ago, and later Protestantism spread under the influence of the European Reformation. At the time, Orthodoxy and Catholicism were dominant, and Protestants were a minority. In the 19th century, Baptists and Evangelicals spread throughout Ukraine, especially in rural areas. They faced significant hardship due to strict religious control by the Russian Orthodox Church and the state. During the Soviet era, religious activities were heavily suppressed, churches were closed, and believers worshiped in secret. Ukraine became known within the Soviet Union for its strong evangelical faith. It even earned the nickname “the Bible Belt of the Soviet Union.” After the Soviet collapse in 1991, Ukraine gained independence and restored religious freedom. Protestant churches grew rapidly with support from the U.S. and Europe. Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, the church has taken on a vital role. Churches have become not only places of worship but also hubs for humanitarian aid. More people are turning to churches amid the chaos of war, and with growing uncertainty and spiritual hunger, interest and demand for the Bible are surging in Ukraine.
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 46:9–13(NIV) 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Ukraine’s position as a gateway between East and West has always made it vulnerable to invasion. The Russian invasion in 2022, the occupation of Crimea and Euromaidan in 2014, and the Orange Revolution in 2004–5 demonstrate Russia’s will to dominate Ukraine and Ukraine’s will to be free. The devastation caused by the invasion is heartbreaking, and the atrocities committed by the Russians are horrific. Regardless of what role this conflict plays in European and global geopolitics, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced and tens of thousands have lost their lives. Even when the conflict ends, rebuilding will take years, even decades. Moreover, people will need healing from the trauma they have experienced, and there must be a lasting peace with Russia. Let us pray for God’s intervention to stop wars to the ends of the earth, to shatter the bow and sunder the spear (Isaiah 46:9). Let us pray that Ukraine will have no one else but God, and that it will rely on and hope in the Lord alone for its salvation.
2. Let us give thanks to God for the rich Christian heritage of Ukraine. It has deep roots in the faith, beginning a thousand years ago in Kyiv. The church here suffered greatly during the Soviet era until independence. Millions of Christians died, and Russian interference and invasion brought incalculable destruction. There was religious persecution against those who differed from the Russian Orthodox Church, and though there was much trauma and suffering, these were trials that strengthened God’s people. The faithful perseverance of the church continues to bear fruit and influence society today. The evangelical faith has grown stronger through hardships. Let us pray that the body of Christ in Ukraine will not lose its spiritual strength or vision due to Russia’s destructive attacks. Let us remember God’s faithfulness in guiding Ukraine thus far, and pray that the church will stand firm in the Lord. Let us pray that the church will remain awake and prayerful so that God’s will for Ukraine’s salvation will be fulfilled without delay.
3. The Soviet Union collapsed over 30 years ago, but its shadow still hangs over Ukraine. The chaotic market economy of the 1990s and 2000s deepened poverty and created a structure where corrupt politicians amassed extreme wealth. This corruption remains unresolved, and a lack of knowledge about right and wrong following communism’s collapse led to despair, addiction, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. However, since the 2022 invasion, Ukraine’s national identity has grown stronger. Let us pray for a genuine revival of the gospel in Ukraine. Let us pray that people will turn from the corrupted and hardened hearts and receive grace to unite with the Lord’s justice and the gospel of the cross.
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