As Ukraine marks the second anniversary of its war with Russia, Andrew MorossA Ukrainian-born American pastor from Lynchburg, Virginia, spoke directly to Christian Headlines about his trip to Ukraine. Mr. Moroz has traveled to Ukraine many times to deliver aid and serve. They plan to bring in mental health professionals to provide additional support in April. Many military experts thought Ukraine’s government would collapse quickly once the war began, but two years later the country is still standing, battered and bruised.
CH: What comes to mind about the second anniversary of the invasion?
Moroz: Two years of courage and resilience. In fact, the Ukraine war dates back to 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas. Unimaginable stress, sweat, blood, and tears. Ukrainians are courageous and extremely resilient in resisting unjust invasions of their country. I also see a lot of courage and integrity in the (Ukrainian) Church. When the situation is peaceful, it is easy to promote worship and practice religious expression. Even in the midst of war, Ukrainian Christians actively worship God and respond to the needs of others in the name of Jesus.
CH: What was life like in Ukraine before the war?
Moroz: For the past 25 years, every time I have visited Ukraine, it has changed for the better. Independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s created opportunities for religious flourishing and economic development. In the 1990s and early 2000s, development in Ukraine was extremely difficult as corruption remained widespread and Russian influence was strong. Through a series of revolutions, Ukrainians rejected Russia-based political leaders and instead chose to align with the West. When I first brought my American children to Ukraine in 2019, the country was thriving. There are still many challenges to overcome, but the future is bright.
CH: Can you tell our readers a little bit about your background?
Moroz: I was born and spent my childhood in Ukraine. I am a first generation immigrant to the United States. Almost all of my extended family still lives in Ukraine.For the past 15 years, I have served as a pastor. gospel community church Located in Lynchburg, Virginia.My work in Ukraine inspired me. Initiatives for renewala nonprofit organization that exists to restore dignity and hope when stolen or lost.
CH: Can you tell our readers what life is like in Ukraine today?
Moroz: The future of Ukraine is now at stake. But Ukraine is not alone. Let’s think about the impact of what is happening in Ukraine on other free and democratic countries. Freedom everywhere is threatened when the sovereignty of an independent state like Ukraine can be destroyed. Ukrainians say it’s “business as usual,” apart from the notable lack of men between 25 and 45 in their society (they defend Ukraine), the daily air raid sirens, and the nightly rocket and drone attacks. I am doing everything I can to live a life of “. . Life is much more difficult, but people are doing their best to keep moving forward. Businesses and churches are open. The needs of people displaced as a result of war are great, but there are also good people serving those in need.
CH: Many Americans are asking how they can help.
Moroz: I never tire of asking my Christian friends to pray for Ukraine and contribute in any way they can. Prayer is every Christian’s greatest asset, more powerful than any weapon wrought by human hands. In addition to prayer, we can also advocate on behalf of Ukrainians and suffering people.This is one of the reasons I started Initiatives for renewal: Amplifying the voices of those in need. We can do this by sharing the needs of others with our friends and neighbors, but we can also do this by demanding that our elected officials not withhold aid to Ukraine. I can. I am disappointed to see that aid to Ukraine is being held up in the House of Commons. Ukraine has become a political pawn. Finally, Americans can donate financially to help Ukrainians in need. Ukraine has a vibrant non-profit organization doing great work. Despite the overwhelming global response in 2022, much of that funding has been used up. Americans can donate funds to organizations ranging from large NGOs like World Vision to smaller organizations like The Renewal Initiative.
CH: Why should American Christians care about the Ukraine war?
Moroz: I wrote about this explicitly in a recent article CT article. The Bible exhorts the Christian to remember and respond to the suffering of those who are suffering, especially his brothers and sisters. Ukrainian Christians are a beautiful reflection of Christ in an excruciatingly difficult season. We cannot abandon them, nor can we forget them. From a practical point of view, if we cannot help Ukraine now; I think it will cost more later..
CH: How can we pray for the people of Ukraine?
Moroz: We pray for peace and a final end to conflict. Pray that the Kingdom of God will be revealed in Ukraine as it is in Heaven (mat. 6:10). Pray for the Lord to be close to the brokenhearted and to save those who are crushed.P.S. 34:18). Please pray that Ukraine receives the assistance it needs during this critical time.
CH: What happens if Congress doesn’t pass financial aid to Ukraine?
Moroz: I have no doubt that there will be a country called Ukraine when this war is over, but I don’t know what will happen to Ukraine if Congress does not pass the current aid bill. We know that countless people will die. They are dying now, and thousands more Ukrainians will die. I am pro-life and pro-peace and I don’t want this war to drag on, and neither do the Ukrainians. I believe that by giving Ukraine the help it needs, we can stop Russian aggression and restore peace to our land.
Image credit: ©Getty Images/Jakub Laichter
