Ukraine: How is The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Responding?

Ukraine: How is The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Responding?

With the eyes of the world focussed on the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military, many are asking us how The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is responding to the mounting humanitarian crisis. Floyd Brobbel, Chief Executive Officer for VOM Canada, joins Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman to address this question and discuss why the mission needs to stay focussed on the persecuted church. Floyd also provides an update on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the ministry.

Length 40:00

Show Notes

If you would like to contribute towards this project through VOMC’s Bible Fund, please go to VOMCanada.com/give/bible-fund or call us toll-free here in Canada at 1-888-29-VOICE (298-6423).

To learn how you can partner with Mission Eurasia, please contact: www.missioneurasia.ca or 1-833-387-2727.

To help with the humanitarian needs in Ukraine through VOM Canada’s ministry partner, Crossroads Cares, visit: www.crossroads.ca/ukraine

Ukraine News

  • Churches Encounter Continued Oppression
    Police are asking church members questions and taking notes.
    Police questioning church members.
    Photo: Baptist Council of Churches
     

    Churches in occupied areas of eastern Ukraine continue to experience ongoing opposition from Russian-installed authorities. For Christians within the region, this has led to harsh restrictions on places of worship that are not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as those that do not comply with the imposed regulations.

  • Orthodox Priest Transferred to Russian Labour Camp
    Father Kostiantyn Maksimov in a grey robe. He is wearing a large cross around his neck.
    Father Kostiantyn Maksimov 
    Photo: Center for Civil Liberties
     

    In May 2023, Orthodox priest Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in the Zaporizhzhia Region of eastern Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he had been accused of reporting the location of Russian air defences and put on trial for espionage. On August 2nd, the church leader was found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in a forced labour camp. For more details on Father Kostiantyn's case, see these reports.

  • Priest Sentenced to 14 Years in Labour Camp
    Father Kostiantyn Maksimov in a grey robe. He is wearing a large cross around his neck.
    Father Kostiantyn Maksimov 
    Photo: Center for Civil Liberties
     

    In May 2023, Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces from his home in the Zaporizhzhia area of Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he was accused of reporting the location of Russian air defenses and consequently charged with espionage. Further details are available here.

  • Verdict Expected for Priest Charged with Espionage
    An Orthodox Church of Ukraine monastery is surrounded by trees with a city in the background.
    An "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" monastery.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Rbrechko (cc)

    When Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in May 2023, little was known about the whereabouts of the Ukrainian Orthodox priest. In late March 2024, the Russian prosecutor for the Zaporizhzhia Region announced that Father Kostiantyn would be facing espionage charges. (For more details, see this report.)