(405) 425-5070

Ukrainian, Russian Christians are ‘united in God’

Church members from both countries worship side-by-side in troubled eastern Ukraine.

KRAMATORSK, Ukraine — Tanks have roamed the streets of this city in recent weeks. Rumors of government buildings seized and police chiefs taken hostage by pro-Russian demonstrators flash across the Internet.  
Katya GladkihThough the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine is a focal point of conflict between the two former Soviet nations, more than 200 Christians — from Ukraine and Russia — gathered here for a “Celebration of Unity.”
“This subject is of great importance for us and our country — at this moment when our country is on the edge of division,” said Katya Gladkih, a church member from Kostiantynivka, Ukraine. “If God’s people don’t understand and value the unity in Christ, then it’s just a mass of people who belong to a community center, but not the church.”
Genadly Sherbakov

Participants represented 16 Churches of Christ — in the Donbas region and cities including Odessa in far southern Ukraine, Chernivtsi in western Ukraine and Russia.

“The most important thing (was) to see all the Christians united in God,” said Genadiy Sherbakov, a church elder in

Syktyvkar, Russia. Followers of Christ in both nations, he said, should adhere to the apostle Paul’s plea in Philippians 2:2 , that believers be “one in spirit and of one mind.” 

Valentina PetrussenkoThe Christians encouraged each other to remain strong, despite the current tension and uncertainty about the future.  
Valentina Petrussenko, a church member in Kramatorsk, said that seeing so many believers — from across Ukraine and Russia — “helps us to understand how mighty we can be in Christ.”

EDITORIAL The Soviet Union prepared the soil for the Gospel in eastern Ukraine. The people have learned the truth, and the truth has set them free. No government or power on earth can change that. ( Read more.)

Filed under: Headlines - Secondary International

View Comments

Don’t miss out on more stories like this.

Subscribe today to receive more inspiring articles like this one delivered straight to your inbox twice a month.

Did you enjoy this article?

Your donation helps us not only keep our quality of journalism high, but helps us continue to reach more people in the Churches of Christ community.

$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

In Honor/Memory of Details

Card Notification Details

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $3 One Time