Religious Freedom Under Threat

One year since the annexation of Crimea by Russia, Ukrainian Christians say they are facing persecution by separatists. Evangelical churches in particular have come under severe restrictions in Crimea, and a church leader is warning that Ukrainian churches will also lose their religious freedom if the Russians take control of their country.

"Paul," a partner of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom, reports of separatists accusing evangelical Christians in the Ukraine for spying on behalf of the West. Subsequently, the separatists have confiscated their church buildings. Paul, who planted many churches in the former Soviet Union, further notes that some believers in the occupied areas were even killed. "After annexation, Ukrainian churches (were told) they had no right to exist there," Paul explains. "Every church has had to be re-registered. Some pastors and priests have been forced to accept Russian citizenship." Those who refused, he adds, were forced to leave.

Amid the current climate of instability, pray that the faith of believers living in Crimea and Ukraine will be unwavering and secure. Additionally, ask God to work in the hearts of the separatists so that they, too, will come to accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord. May He also bless Paul and the other Christian workers ministering in this troubled area of the world, granting them greatly needed wisdom and encouragement as they faithfully serve these suffering Ukrainian people.

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.)