Ukrainian in Cyprus

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.

In the 1600s, a rebellion by the powerful Cossacks marked a turning point for the Ukrainians. They established the Cossack Hetmanate in central and eastern Ukraine, which was allied with Russia’s Tsar. However, it was abolished in the 1700s by Russian Empress Catherine the Great, allowing the Russian Empire to incorporate significant parts of Ukrainian territories. Ukrainians sought full independence in the early 20th century, but that hope was crushed by the rise of the Soviet Union led by Bolshevik forces. The Russian-dominated Soviet Union included Ukraine, along with many other neighboring states, some of which were Slavic while 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 where they hoped to re-establish their lives. A large number of Ukrainian refugees are in Cyprus.

What Are Their Lives Like?

It is uncertain whether the Ukrainians in Cyprus will remain after the war ends. They are finding it difficult to earn money and secure housing. Since the men are typically in the military, these refugees consist mostly of women and children. The children need to learn the local language and attend school, while their mothers must seek employment.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Wherever Ukrainians reside, they are Christians, typically Orthodox, Catholic, or Evangelical. Ukraine is known as the Bible Belt of Eastern Europe. They are well-positioned to be the salt and light to those around them.

What Are Their Needs?

Diaspora Ukrainians often have family and friends in Ukraine who have endured the war with Russia. There is always uncertainty about the well-being of their loved ones. Others, recent members of the Ukrainian Diaspora, are themselves facing the traumas of war. Many have lost their homes and livelihoods in that once-peaceful land.

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.

Text Source:   Joshua Project