The Adventist Church in Ukraine mobilizes humanitarian aid, spiritual care, and mission-driven innovation across the nation.
By Valentyn Zahreba,
Ukrainian Union Conference, for ANN
July 8, 2025 — Over the past three years, Ukraine has endured one of the most difficult periods in its modern history. Amid widespread disruption and humanitarian need, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has remained steadfast in its mission to share the gospel and care for communities across the country.
Following the onset of the full-scale military invasion in 2022, armed hostilities have continued in multiple regions, causing large-scale displacement and long-term instability. Despite these challenges, the Adventist Church in Ukraine continues to provide hope, spiritual support, and practical assistance to those affected.
Since the beginning of the invasion, more than six million people have fled the country, and four million have become internally displaced—among them, 900,000 children. The destruction of homes and critical infrastructure has affected millions, further straining social services and intensifying the need for faith-based engagement.
ADRA Ukraine Scales Up Humanitarian Response
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Ukraine has played a vital role in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. Since the beginning of the crisis, ADRA Ukraine has distributed over 7.27 million food packages, 29.59 million loaves of bread, and provided financial assistance to more than 166,000 individuals. Additionally, 48,000 people have been safely evacuated from high-risk areas.
Volunteers
Church volunteers have been actively engaged in delivering aid—including medical equipment, first aid kits, and mobile power stations—to areas affected by active hostilities.
One of the volunteer teams, Vidchaidushni (The Desperate), makes regular trips to the front line to deliver humanitarian aid and provide support through relief missions. Audio devices supplied by Adventist World Radio, featuring Scripture readings and spiritual messages, have become a source of hope and encouragement for many.
Children and Youth Find Hope Through Ministry
Adventist youth ministries across Ukraine have provided spiritual care and positive engagement opportunities for children and teenagers. More than 1,000 children, including those from military families, have participated in rehabilitation programs such as the YourCamp initiative in the Chernivtsi region.
Currently, 91 Pathfinder clubs and 23 Adventurer clubs operate throughout the country, involving nearly 1,500 children. Two national youth congresses, an evangelism training program, and leadership development events have strengthened youth participation in mission and service.
Local Adventist churches have become important centers of hope and support. Even in regions near the frontline, congregations continue to meet and grow. Over the past three years, 3,010 new members have joined the Adventist Church in Ukraine.
According to Vitalii Kryvoi, treasurer of the Ukrainian Union Conference, this continued growth has been made possible through the support of divisions, unions, and the General Conference.
Chaplains Bring Comfort on the Frontlines
More than 180 Adventist pastors in Ukraine are engaged in volunteer chaplaincy ministry. They regularly visit military personnel, hospitals, and families affected by the ongoing conflict—offering prayer, comfort, and the message of salvation.
The realities of ministry in high-risk zones are sobering. On November 25, 2024, Pastor Vladyslav Kucheriavenko and his son Artur were injured while delivering fuel briquettes in a southern region. Artur, a dedicated church member and volunteer chaplain, tragically lost his life. His legacy of service continues to inspire others.
Mobile Medical Clinics Bring Health Services to Displaced Populations
In partnership with the General Conference and Loma Linda University, the Adventist-run Angelia Clinic operates mobile medical clinics that provide care to internally displaced individuals and residents of frontline communities. The initiative includes general medical consultations, diagnostics, and health education.
Over the past three years, 30 specialists and volunteers have been involved in the medical ministry of the Angelia Clinic. Medical services have been provided to more than 300 critically ill inpatients, over 300 mobile clinic locations have been visited, and more than 30,000 patients have been treated.
As a result of this ministry, just this year alone, 2,500 people have requested Bible studies, and more than 4,000 have asked for prayer support.
Adventist World Radio Delivers Hope in Motion
The Hope on the Move project by Adventist World Radio (AWR) continues to offer comprehensive community support. The Movement of Hope is a comprehensive program that provides medical services to vulnerable members of the community. Services include medical consultations, psychological care, haircuts, and massage therapy. Guests are also invited to engage in Bible study through digital apps or printed lessons.
Media Ministries Continue Despite Infrastructure Challenges
Despite frequent power outages and ongoing logistical difficulties, Hope Media Ukraine has remained active in content production. Voice of Hope radio broadcasts 24 hours a day and organizes live events where its FM signal reaches local communities. Over the past three years, more than 20,000 people have enrolled in Bible correspondence courses, with 248 baptisms reported in 2024 alone.
Adventist Education Endures Through Crisis
Ukraine’s Adventist education system, which includes 23 schools and one higher education institution, has continued operating despite extremely difficult conditions. Student enrollment has increased compared to levels before the full-scale invasion. A new shelter is currently under construction on the campus of the Ukrainian Adventist Center of Higher Education in Bucha to enhance safety for students and staff.
Literature Evangelism Remains a Vital Tool
Publishing activities continue to face challenges, yet over 620,000 copies of The Great Controversy and 330,000 of Steps to Christ have been printed and freely distributed throughout Ukraine. These materials support evangelistic efforts and are often shared during public outreach events.
New Initiative: “Support Nearby”
The Ukrainian Union Conference has launched a long-term initiative called Support Nearby, which encourages local congregations to serve displaced families, vulnerable populations, and communities affected by military service. These churches are becoming centers of physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration.
Executive Secretary UUC Volodymyr Velechuk emphasized the Church’s ongoing commitment to innovation in mission and outreach.
“We are constantly looking for new ways to be present, relevant, and helpful in the lives of people. Our mission continues, even in the most difficult circumstances,” Velechuk said.
Global Church Support Uplifts Local Communities
Stanislav Nosov, president of the Ukrainian Union Conference, expressed deep gratitude for the continued prayers and support of the global Adventist family.
“In times of great uncertainty, your help has been a source of light for us. We have felt a deep sense of belonging to God’s worldwide family,” Nosov shared.
This article was provided by the Ukrainian Union Conference. For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news
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