Ukrainian Churches in the United States: How Christians are joining forces to help Ukraine
During the war, the Ukrainian Christian community in the United States not only provides humanitarian support to their homeland, but also actively works to convey the truth about the events in Ukraine to the American government and society. Pastor Victor Prokhor, head of the Council of Ukrainian Christian Churches in Washington State, spoke about this mission in an interview with Voice of America.
Source: Holosameryky
Last March, Ukrainian Christian communities in Washington established the Council of Ukrainian Christian Churches. This is a unique association that includes representatives of Baptists, Pentecostals, Orthodox and Catholics. According to Pastor Prokhor, the war has become a powerful factor that has united Ukrainian believers in the United States to serve a common goal – supporting Ukraine.
“We want to be the voice of Ukraine, because the American society needs to know that our country needs help,” emphasized the pastor.
Bringing the truth to the authorities
One of the key areas of the Council’s activities is outreach to the U.S. government. According to the pastor, it is important to explain the real state of affairs and explain that Ukraine is not a party to the conflict, but a victim of aggression.
“Understanding the situation depends on who explains it. We are using all available opportunities to explain that Ukraine did not start this war and is now forced to fight for its survival,” he explained.
Humanitarian aid and support for children
In addition to information work, U.S. churches are actively involved in humanitarian aid. The pastor said that his congregation regularly organizes trips to Ukraine, sends humanitarian aid and supports the victims.
“We invite children who have lost their parents or whose families have been affected by the war to the United States. It’s not just help, it’s an opportunity to show them care and give them hope for the future,” he said.
At the same time, the pastor notes that such initiatives require caution, because after returning to Ukraine, children may face psychological difficulties due to a drastic change in living conditions.
Persecution of Christians in the occupied territories
Another important topic raised by Ukrainian religious leaders in the United States is the persecution of Christians in the temporarily occupied territories.
“In these territories, Protestant communities are subjected to severe harassment, and pastors are not able to preach openly. We are trying to convey these facts to Americans so that they realize that the real threat is not just war, but the deliberate destruction of Ukrainian identity,” Prokhor emphasized.
Challenges for Ukrainian refugees in the United States
A separate problem that the Council of Ukrainian Christian Churches is trying to solve is the uncertain status of Ukrainian refugees in the United States. Due to the pause in the U4U program and the humanitarian password, thousands of Ukrainians found themselves in a situation of uncertainty.
“These people have already survived the war, and now they have to deal with the uncertainty of their future in the United States. We stand in their defense so that America does not deprive them of assistance and the right to remain in a safe environment,” explained the pastor.
Ukrainian Christian unity as an example for the world
According to Viktor Prokhor, the unification of churches of different denominations is not only a practical step, but also a strong signal of the true unity of Ukrainians.
“We are setting an example that Ukrainians can act together and overcome differences. It is not just coordination of actions, it is a joint mission to help Ukraine,” he said.
Faith that gives strength to help
In conclusion, Pastor Prokhor emphasized that Ukrainians have no right to lose faith in themselves, their country and justice.
“We have always been a people who overcame difficulties. Today we continue to help each other – and this is our strength. When we work together, we bring victory closer,” he concluded.
