Ukraine (MNN) — Russia’s military bombed a church in Ukraine on Sunday as Orthodox Christians celebrated Resurrection Day.
Thankfully, no one was killed, and only two people were injured. Orthodox Christians observe Easter on a different day than Protestants and Catholics because the Orthodox Church follows a different calendar.
Trans World Radio’s Alenka Stephenson says every day brings new challenges for believers in Ukraine. “Unfortunately, this war has become normal, as bad as it sounds,” Stephenson says.
As the war drags on, people adapt to survive. Earlier this month, Ukraine began training chaplains as officers, equipping them with military knowledge and tactical first aid.
“We know of Christian pastors that were drafted,” Stephenson says.
“They’re not officially chaplains, but they live out their faith, and they help the soldiers on the field” using resources supplied by TWR Ukraine.
Throughout the country, “people change their profession based on current need,” she continues.
“The mayors of the towns and cities are trying different ways to help the citizens with shelter and food, but also [by] retraining them in different skills so they can support the efforts.”
Help TWR’s team share the hope of Christ in Ukraine here.
“God has opened doors to expand their audience reach using YouTube, podcasts, and social media; they started doing video documentaries to focus on specific cities. They did Kharkiv and a few others,” Stephenson says.
“They (TWR Ukraine team members) go to the city and interview people, trying to get responses [about] how people are coping. For example, one younger guy that was interviewed said, ‘Christ gave His life for me; what right do I have to give less?’”
Most importantly, pray. “Pray for the team. It’s been really hard,” Stephenson says.
“Everybody on the team knows somebody killed in the war. [These] situations are [happening] on [a] daily basis; it’s like being under constant stress.”
Header image depicts the Saint Michael church of Moscow Patriarchate (1906) in Komyshuvakha settlement (Zaporizhzhia Oblast of Ukraine) after Russian shelling on April 16, 2023. (Wikimedia Commons)
