During the liturgical season of Lent, Christians are called to reflect on the suffering of Jesus during his 40 days in the desert. Steven Moore, a religious freedom advocate based in Ukraine, highlighted the plight of Christians in the country who are enduring persecution. Unlike in the United States where Lent is preceded by a Fat Tuesday celebration and ends with Easter, in Ukraine, believers face sacrifices and challenges all year round. Christians in Russian-occupied Ukraine are dealing with issues such as personal safety and the ability to worship freely.
In Ukraine, Lent looks different from the traditional celebrations in the United States. Believers in Russian-occupied territories are facing ongoing sacrifices, including threats to their safety and restrictions on worship. Moore shared a story about a Baptist church in the Ukrainian city of Melitopol that was interrupted by Russian soldiers, resulting in the arrest of the pastor and fingerprinting of attendees. Despite the challenges, Moore commended Ukrainian Christians for their high morale and bravery in upholding their faith under the threat of persecution.
Moore emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the struggles faced by Christians in Ukraine, as information is tightly controlled in the country. He encouraged Christians to offer service and support to their brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are often forgotten in the midst of these difficult circumstances. The story of persecution in Ukraine is just one example of the challenges faced by believers around the world during Lent, and Moore urged readers to join him in prayer for those who are suffering silently.
The persecution of Christians in Ukraine goes beyond a territorial or political struggle, as believers are fighting for their faith and the right to practice their religion freely. Moore highlighted the harsh realities faced by non-Russian Orthodox churches in Ukraine, where many have been shut down by the Russian military. At least 26 Christian leaders have lost their lives in occupied Ukraine, underscoring the high stakes involved in standing firm in one’s faith in the face of oppression.
Moore stressed the need for Christians to remember the sacrifices of martyrs and persecuted believers, particularly during the season of Lent. He urged readers to take action by raising awareness about the challenges faced by Christians in Ukraine and other regions where religious freedom is under threat. While Easter is a time of celebration for many, Ukrainian Christians will mark the holiday underground, reflecting the ongoing sacrifices they make to uphold their faith amidst adversity.
In conclusion, Moore called on Christians to offer prayers and support to their persecuted brothers and sisters in Ukraine and beyond. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the struggles faced by believers around the world, especially during the season of Lent when Christians are called to reflect on Christ’s suffering. By standing in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their faith, Christians can embody the sacrificial love and compassion of Jesus, ultimately bringing hope and light to those in the darkness of persecution.
