“In the throes of the devastating war, these Christians are attacked from without and within.” (1)
One tragic lost story not being reported by most of the world’s news media is the persecution of Christians in Ukraine. This had been a reality since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine three years ago. Some may argue since Ukraine has been predominately Christian for centuries, an attack on the Ukrainian people would be an attack on Christians, that may be true, but it goes much deeper than that.
It is not surprising that Russia, still influenced by their Communist atheist past, although supportive of the Russian Orthodox church, would be persecuting Christians in Ukraine. Russia is actively persecuting their own Christian citizens today in their country. “In 2024, the United States Department of State designated Russia as ‘a country of particular concern’ due to its repression of religious freedom and believers within its borders.” (1) In an opinion piece at ‘The Christian Post’ on February 26, 2025, Steven Moore and Colby Barrett write, “Russian forces have killed 49 faith leaders in occupied Ukraine, while dozens more are being starved and beaten in Russian prison camps. More than 630 places of worship lie in ruins in Ukraine — shelled, looted, or destroyed. The Russian security services have shut down every church in occupied Ukraine they do not control and are imprisoning believers simply for holding Bible studies in their homes.” (2) ‘The Church Times’ reported on January 10, 2025 “that Christians who do not belong to the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church are being forced to become ‘underground believers.’” (3)
Linda Burkle Ph.D., states on ‘persecution.org’, that Christians in Ukraine are not only suffering from persecution from Russia but from their own government. Burkle writes, “Under the pretext of the war, the Ukrainian government has targeted religious organizations that are considered to have ties with Russia, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, and by default, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Legislation known as Law 3894, codified in August 2024, will be fully enforced on May 24 and effectively ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and any affiliated groups deemed to be Russian-influenced or sympathetic to Russia. Members of the UOC condemned the Russian invasion, many are serving on the front lines and raising money and support for their soldiers.” (1) For the government of Ukraine to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church when their stand on the war is well-known being in full support of their solders is nothing but an evil attempt to silence the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This may be the most underreported story of the Russia Ukraine war, but it has not escaped the knowledge of the Lord God. He is intimately aware of every detail of what His children are going through. Our God is a righteous and just God, and He will make all things right in His timing. May we as the church be praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia who are suffering persecution during this time. Let us thank the Lord for those news outlets who boldly report the truth, and may we be praying for a soon end to this unprovoked war.
(1) Persecution of Ukrainian Christians: From Within and Without – International Christian Concern
Word for the Soul 