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| Ix Shen, a Singaporean who chose to stay in Ukraine to support his Ukrainian wife |
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion into Ukraine. In this post, I will write about the actions of some Christians involved in the crisis.
State churches
Unlike Western and Asian nations, religion and state politics are not separate. Thus the Orthodox Churches in both Russia and Ukraine support their state.
This is evident as the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, once called the Russian premier, Vladimir Putin, a "miracle of God." He also called on the Russian Orthodox Christians in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus to side with Russia and defend their "historic homeland".
On the flip side, the Ukraine Orthodox Church has called on the international community to defend Ukraine. On Twitter, Metropolitan Epiphanius I, the Church’s primate called on people to pray "for Ukraine, for victory, for our soldiers."
Other church leaders
Some church leaders in the Ukraine had chose to remain in the country to provide humantarian aid.
Vasyl Ostryi, pastor at Irpin’ Bible Church, wrote that he and his family (that includes 4 daughters) decided to provide medical and spiritual support, instead of evacuating. He stated, "if the church is not relevant at a time of crisis, then it is not relevant in a time of peace".
Northern Ireland missionaries, Timothy and Rhonda Sloan decided to stay in Ukraine to provide shelter to the needy. Timothy stated, "Rhoda and I are not leaving - how can we? As an elder in the Church, my responsibility is to shepherd at all times."
Conclusion
Let us pray that the conflict in Ukraine quickly reaches a peaceful resolution.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - Jesus (John 16:33)
If you are Singaporean, and wish to help, you may find more information about the Red Cross here.
