Worship Ban in Luhansk

Police Raid - Photo: Forum 18 www.forum18.org
Police raid at the
Krasnodon Baptist Church.
Photo: Forum 18

As of 2014, the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine has been under the control of rebels. Since then, the self-declared government imposed oppressive religious restrictions. Last year, an order was made that no religious groups may hold services of any kind without registration. Subsequent to the deadline of October 2018, no Protestant church of any kind was granted registration. (See this report for more details.)

Now, a year later, the ban remains in effect, and those who do not heed the restrictions have been taken to court. At least six court cases in 2019 have ensued, including that of Pastor Vladimir Rytikov of the Krasnodon Baptist Church. This June, he was sentenced to 20 hours of community service for leading unregistered worship. His appeal was rejected on October 21st. Others have faced fines, though some of them have avoided further forms of punishment.

Many church buildings now sit empty. While these church communities officially own their buildings, they no longer can legally use them. At least one church has begun using Skype to provide broadcasts for congregants. Members of other churches have been meeting in homes, but they are carefully limiting these gatherings to no more than four people at a time.

Along with restrictions on public worship, foreign religious leaders have been banned from visiting the territory. As a result of being denied contact with fellow believers, many individuals are feeling isolated.

Uphold the Christians in Luhansk by praying for them to be granted the freedom to meet peacefully together in worship. Ask the Lord to work in the hearts of the governing officials within this region, impressing upon these leaders the importance of honouring their Creator and respecting the rights of all citizens. In the meantime, may the isolated church members receive needed encouragement and fellowship by meeting together in small groups.

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.)