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 the 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 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.

When the USSR dissolved in 1991, Ukraine and other Soviet states were given independence. Russia again tried to establish dominance of Ukraine in 2022 when they invaded that nation. Thousands fled to Western European countries like Finland, where they hoped to re-establish their lives.

Ukrainians first started coming to Finland in 1918 to work as berry pickers. A few more came in the 1920s as lumberjacks. A small number became Finnish citizens. For decades Ukrainians came to Finland as seasonal laborers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ukrainian refugees are coming to Finland in large numbers. The Finns are trying to prepare by increasing the capacity of their schools. These children will need to learn Finnish or Swedish, two important languages in Finland. Most Ukrainian refugees are women and children; the men are in the military.

There are two Ukrainian associations in Finland. There is Ukrainians in Finland and the Ukrainian Association in Finland (established in 1997). These two organizations help to promote Ukrainian culture and provide humanitarian aid for those needing it in Ukraine.

It is still unclear whether the Ukrainians will stay in Finland or return to Ukraine. If they stay, they are likely to move to agricultural areas and work on farms.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Wherever Ukrainians live, they are Christian, usually Orthodox or Evangelical. Ukraine is known as the Bible Belt of Eastern Europe. They are well-suited to be salt and light to the people around them.

What Are Their Needs?

Diaspora Ukrainians often have family members and friends in Ukraine who have endured war with Russia. There is always uncertainty about the well-being of their loved ones. Others, recent members of the Ukrainian Diaspora, are themselves enduring the traumas of war. Many have lost their homes and their livelihood in that once-peaceful land. Russians have tried to destroy Ukrainian culture for decades. Ukrainians are trying to preserve their culture wherever they live.

Prayer Points

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 Finland.

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainians_in_Finland
https://sites.utu.fi/bre/ukrainian-immigrants-in-finland/
https://ukrainians.fi/en/
https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410869/ukrainians-will-continue-to-be-an-important-immigrant-group
https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410869/report-on-ukrainians-who-fled-to-finland-published