Ukrainian in New Zealand

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 marked a turning point for the Ukrainians. They established the Cossack Hetmanate, which was situated in central and eastern Ukraine. The Cossack Hetmanate maintained an alliance with Russia’s Tsar. It was abolished in the 1700s by Russian Empress Catherine the Great, allowing the Russian Empire to incorporate large parts of Ukraine territories.

Ukrainians anticipated full independence in the early 20th century, but that hope was crushed by the rising Soviet Union led by Bolshevik forces. The Russian-dominated Soviet Union encompassed Ukraine and several other neighboring states. Some 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 countries like New Zealand, hoping to re-establish their lives.

Only a small number of Ukrainians came to New Zealand before the USSR dissolved in 1991. There were 170 war refugees after WWII. After 1990 others came seeking better jobs and more freedom.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though small in number, Ukrainians have several community groups in New Zealand. There is the Ukrainian Association of New Zealand. Ukrainians are well aware of man-made crises, having suffered under regimes that caused famines and wars in Ukraine. They are well aware of history, and they want it taught to their children.

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 in New Zealand.
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