Ukrainian in Kyrgyzstan
Photo Source:
C. M. Sturgeon - Pixabay
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| People Name: | Ukrainian |
| Country: | Kyrgyzstan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 10,000 |
| World Population: | 32,574,100 |
| Primary Language: | Ukrainian |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 77.99 % |
| Evangelicals: | 3.80 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Slav, Eastern |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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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.
In the late 1800s, Russians and Ukrainians went to Kyrgyzstan to construct roads and buildings to extend the control of the Russian Tsar. The farmland was poor, but the best of it was given to the Slavic invaders. This led the Kyrgyz to slaughter Russians and Ukrainians in a 1916 rebellion. Kyrgyzstan was controlled by the Soviets during the days of the USSR. Their independence came in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Some Russians and Ukrainians remained, but they are leaving in the 21st century as Slavic people lose control of this Muslim Central Asian country.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Only a small number of Ukrainians live in Kyrgyzstan, a Muslim Central Asian country that was once part of the USSR.
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.