Ukraine

 

Ukraine, in Eastern Europe, is made up mostly of Orthodox, Catholic and unbelieving citizens. The nation has a long history of territorial disputes, which continue to this day.

Now known as Ukraine, it was the center of the first eastern Slavic state called Kyivan Rus. During the 10th and 11th centuries, Kyivan Rus was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries.

A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century, the Russian Empire absorbed most of the Ukrainian territory.

Following the collapse of tsarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine achieved a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was re-conquered and endured a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German and Soviet armies were responsible for 7 to 8 million more deaths. Ukraine is also the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which continues to have health impacts in the region to this day. Ukraine achieved independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, yet political turmoil continues and prosperity remains elusive. Fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine in 2014 after the country's pro-Russian president was ousted. The Crimean peninsula was seized and annexed by Russia as a result. The conflict remains unsettled.

Ukraine has long been a global breadbasket because of its extensive, fertile farmlands and is one of the world's largest grain exporters. The diversified economy of Ukraine includes a large heavy industry sector, particularly in aerospace and industrial equipment.

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Population

42,000,000+

Captial City: Kiev

 

SGA in Ukraine

 

Ukraine also has the distinction of allowing the most freedom for evangelical churches of all the former Soviet countries. SGA supports the ministries of missionary pastors and biblical training through Irpen Biblical Seminary. We also serve the church based children's ministries - Orphans Reborn, summer camps, Immanuel's Child, and Youth IN Ministry. We assist with Compassion Ministry, and provision of other humanitarian aid as needed, especially in the war torn eastern regions of Ukraine.

Religions in Ukraine

Russian Orthodox 65.4%

Non-Religious 16.3%

Other Christian 16.5%

Muslim 1.1%

Religion in Ukraine is diverse, with a majority of the population adhering to Christianity. As of 2018, Christianity was particularly strong in westernmost Ukrainian regions, where most Greek Catholics lived. In central, southern and eastern regions, Christians constitute a smaller proportion of the total population, particularly low in the easternmost region of Donbass.

Where Else We Work

Russian Federation

With over 17 million km², Russia is the largest country in the world. It covers over one-eighth of the earth's inhabited space, and is one of the world's most populous countries, with over 144 million people....

Far East Russia

Far East Russia is the extreme eastern territory of Russia, situated between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean. There are many isolated villages in this region that can only be reached by boat or plane...

Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, and is located in Central Asia. Officially, it is a democratic republic with a constitution, but the administration is under criticism for restricting religious freedom...

Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a 'double-landlocked' country (fully surrounded by landlocked countries) in Central Asia. The population was largely converted to Islam during the Early Muslim Conquests in the 7th century...

Republic of Tajikistan

A mountainous country, Tajikistan is home to many Persian-speaking people of Iranian origin. After centuries of being subjugated, it finally became independent at the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991...

What We Do

Church Planting

SGA exists to bring Biblical truth to the people of the former Soviet Union. Since the fall of communism, many churches have been planted but there are still many places without a Christian witness...

Pastoral Support

Full-time Christian ministry in the former USSR is difficult when local churches can't afford to support their own pastors. SGA helps by coordinating sponsorships and raising support...

Bible Students & Colleges

Preparing faithful pastors, missionaries, youth leaders and children's workers for lifetimes of ministry is vital to sustain evangelical churches. SGA assists by sponsoring seminaries and students...

Bibles & Literature Distribution

During Soviet times, SGA printed and smuggled Bibles across the Iron Curtain. Today, Bibles and Christian books are still needed, especially in Central Asia. SGA continues to raise funds for literature distribution...

Orphanage Ministries

There are hundreds of thousands of children in orphanages across the former Soviet Union. Who will teach these children about their creator who loves them? SGA's 'Orphans Reborn' program was designed to meet this need...

Summer Camp Sponsorships

In summer, a huge evangelistic effort is made to reach thousands of children through Christian summer camps. SGA raises funds to pay for disadvantaged children to attend, so they can learn about God's love...

Humanitarian Aid

In the poorest regions, there is special need for humanitarian aid. Through missionaries, pastors and church volunteers, needy people are receiving spiritual and practical help. SGA raises funds to make this outreach possible...

Prisons Ministries

Prisoners, especially those in despair, need to hear there is hope through the shed-blood of Christ. SGA raises support for ministry teams to conduct Bible studies and outreaches within prison walls...

Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation

Drug and alcohol addiction are affecting thousands of men and women across the former USSR. SGA is helping local churches by raising funds for the operation of Christian rehab centres...