Oppression of Christians Escalates

Pray for the safety of church members in Ukraine.
Photo: Flickr / Peter Collins

Since the political uprising began in Ukraine, pro-Russian separatists have taken control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the country. The takeover has resulted in an escalating frequency of attacks being made against Christians residing within these areas, including the recent seizure of an evangelical church in Donetsk.

This latest attack took place on November 12th by armed separatists who broke into a newly constructed church, forcing the congregant members out of the building and forbidding them from holding any further services there. The separatists also threatened to kill anyone who disobeyed their orders.

A statement was issued by The Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine this past July, reporting on the intense persecution of Christians, and of evangelicals in particular. This statement made reference to the "abductions, beatings, torture, threats of execution, pogroms at the places of prayer meetings," as well as the capture of Christian buildings. Concerned ministry workers within Ukraine state that "the threat of war on a large scale" is growing daily.

Please pray for the protection of our oppressed brethren in Ukraine as they experience mounting insecurity and persecution. May they hold fast to their faith, being assured through the promises of God's Word that safe refuge can be found in Him (Proverbs 18:10). Pray particularly for the pastors and church leaders within these regions, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom from on high as they seek to lead their congregations amid such difficult circumstances and provide ongoing encouragement to those in their communities. Despite the invasion of darkness in this country, may the followers of Christ continue to let their lights shine brightly so that others in need of salvation will discover "the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6).

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.)