UKRAINE
Capital: Kyiv
Major Language: Ukrainian
Area: 603,628 km2
Population: 43.3 million
HDI Rank: 74 of 189
Major Religion:
Orthodox: 28 million (65%)
Other Religions:
Catholics: 3.3 million (7.5%)
Protestant: I million (2.5%)
Other: 10.7 million (25%)
General Information:
Ukraine is one of Europe’s largest countries, and it is a gateway between the East and the West. Ukraine's history is intertwined with Russia's history. The country gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl in 1986 continues to inflict environmental damage, disease, and death. Ukraine is known for its “Kiev cake” and the internationally famous dish, “Chicken a la Kiev”. Slavic mythology and Orthodox Christianity heavily influence the customs of Ukraine. Most popular sport is soccer.
Religious Background:
Before 988 A.D., Ukraine was a pagan country but after Vladimir the Great, converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, mass baptisms and conversions took place. All the pagan shrines were destroyed, and since then Ukraine has been a majority Eastern Orthodox country. The Catholic Church in Ukraine consists of members of the Eastern as well as the Latin Rite. Although the region was home to large Muslim and Jewish communities, Islam and Judaism have diminished significantly. A fairly large percentage of the Ukrainian population is unaffiliated.
Catholic background:
The majority of Catholics in Ukraine belong to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, while significant numbers belong to the Latin Church (Roman Catholic), Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church, and the Armenian Catholic Church. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is rooted in the 10th century Christianization of the nation. Catholic Churches were severely persecuted in Ukraine, while the country was part of the Soviet Union. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 14 dioceses and 4,026 parishes. Patron saints: Josaphat, Vladimir.
Prayer Points
1. Ukrainians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior
Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2. Catholics to know Christ
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Pray for the salvation of 3.3 million Catholics in Ukraine.
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Catholics, especially the educated class, are largely indifferent to religious teachings and practices. Pray that they encounter the true gospel, and are led to Christ.
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Pray for the removal of multiple barriers by the power of the Holy Spirit and that the gospel will be clearly understood.
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Pray that Catholics would find rest as they come to Christ by faith in His finished work, and that they will realize that salvation is through grace alone and by faith alone.
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Pray for all the Catholics attending the 4,026 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
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Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 2,770 priests, 665 brothers and 1,095 sisters.
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Ask God to reveal His Son to Catholics. Pray that social media and other means would bring the gospel to those who have never heard.
3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply
Known as the ‘Bible Belt’ of the former Soviet world, the Ukrainian Christians have faced a long history of persecution. Despite this, there has been a rapid growth with thousands of new churches planted. Pray for further growth and expansion. Pray for believers to grow in their faith and witness to others as a way of life.
4. Social evils and issues in the country
AIDS cases and alcoholism are rapidly increasing. Thousands of children live in orphanages, and countless live on the streets. Ukraine also suffers from crime, drugs, prostitution, and poverty. Ask God to provide relief to all those in need.
5. Other Religions
The Orthodox Church is the major and dominant religion of Ukraine. Islam, Judaism and Hinduism have very small communities in Ukraine. There is an ever-increasing number of those unaffiliated. Pray that there will be an openness among them to receive the gospel, and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
