Ukraine is a sovereign state in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the northwest, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia to the west, Romania, and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Ukraine is currently in territorial dispute with Russia over the Crimean Peninsula which Russia annexed in 2014, but which Ukraine and most of the international community recognize as Ukrainian. Including Crimea, Ukraine has an area of 233,062 sq miles, making it the largest country entirely within Europe and the 46th largest country in the world. Excluding Crimea, Ukraine has a population of about 42.5 million.
A 2016 survey conducted by the Razumkov Centre found that of the Ukrainian population, 81.9% were Christians.
In an amazing display of solidarity when hundreds of thousands of Christians in Ukraine poured out onto the streets of Kiev to sing songs and to praise Jesus as they celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
According to local press, many traveled from all provinces just to be a part of the celebration, to thank God for the freedom to worship, to thank God for the freedom to preach the Gospel in their country, and to celebrate His faithfulness.
Mission Network News reported that the gathering came after Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko signed an order recognizing the anniversary of the Reformation. “It was so exciting to see on the screen of my computer where I was watching young people with so much joy. They glorify God in the midst of their capital,” he said.
Mr. Sergey Rakhuba, leader of Mission Eurasia, a Christian organization that promotes indigenous evangelism, church-planting, church growth and Christian leadership in Ukraine told Mission Network News that although the nation might face difficult days ahead, they are praising God for the spread of Christianity.
“Ukraine is still in the midst of war. Eastern Ukraine and territories are still occupied by Russian or pro-Russian separatists. Crimea was annexed by Russia. So yes, Ukraine is struggling politically, economically, but Ukraine is striving today spiritually, pleading to God to bless that nation.”
Attendees, according to CBN, enjoyed a host of family-friendly events including exhibits, play zones, and musical performances.
The celebration was also topped off by a performance by world-known motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.
Overall, Ukraine’s Thanksgiving day gathered from 100,000 to 150,000 people on Kyiv’s central street, according to the Institute of Religious Freedom NGO.
Reported by: UG Christian News