Introduction / History

Ukrainians first emerged as a people in the 800s during the medieval state of Kyivan Rus. That was a time when local Slavic tribes were merging with Viking settlers. It became one of the most powerful states during that time in European history. Through the centuries, they became vassals of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Ruthenia and Samogitia.

A rebellion by the powerful Cossacks in the 1600s was a turning point for Ukrainians. They created the Cossack Hetmanate, which was located in central and eastern Ukraine. The Cossack Hetmanate was allied with Russia’s Tsar. It was abolished in the 1700s by Russian Empress Catherine the Great. The Russian Empire was able to incorporate huge parts of Ukrainian territories.

Ukrainians hoped for full independence in the early 20th century, but that hope was squashed by the emerging Soviet Union led by Bolshevik forces. The Russian-dominated Soviet Union included Ukraine, along with many other neighboring states. Some peoples controlled by the USSR were Slavic and others were Turkic Muslims. Ethnic Ukrainians are represented in all these now-independent countries.

All Soviet states were forced to endure Russification. Russian Soviet leaders engineered a famine that cost 4-5 million Ukrainian lives. Many Ukrainians fled to other countries during this time. Many of these were within Soviet control. During WWII, Ukrainians suffered under the oppression of both German Nazis and Soviet Communists.

Ukrainians and Russians are living in Turkey. Some came after the USSR crumbled in 1991. More came after the war between these two countries started in 2022. Ukrainians in Turkey tend to live in major cities like Ankara, Izmir and Istanbul.

What Are Their Lives Like?

No one knows how long Ukrainian refugees will remain in Turkey. Most will return to Ukraine, but others will settle there, learn Turkish and enter the workforce. There is always a challenge when people need language skills before they can find work. Most of these refugees are women, many of whom have children that will need to attend school.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost half identify as Christians, and there are Bible-believing Christians among them. They have a complete Bible and many evangelistic tools. However, ethnic religion has a hold on them because it is tied in with their identity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hlengwe need the Holy Spirit's powerful work to permeate their hearts and church life. Many Christians in southern Africa have a vibrant prayer life and are filled with worship. They need God's clear calling to go to the lost.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to be the source of comfort for Ukrainians.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to drive Ukrainians to be salt and light to the people around them.
Pray for Ukrainian Christians to disciple others in the ways of Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Ukrainian in Türkiye (Turkey).

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainians
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/25/g-s1-38399/ukraine-culture-traditions-russian-invasion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ukraine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_diaspora
https://ww