Aid to Ukrainian Lutheran Church provides help for body and soul

It has been three years since Russia first invaded Ukraine. Cities have been destroyed and infrastructure decimated. The number of casualties Ukraine has suffered is into the tens of thousands. Yet God is working. The power of his love and his Word can be seen clearly in the updates from the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, WELS’ sister synod.

From the beginning of the war, WELS provided financial assistance to the Ukrainian Lutheran Church so our brothers and sisters could help each other and their neighbors with basic needs. The most important thing shared, however, has been the saving gospel message of Christ.

Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, recently provided a detailed update. Here is a summary of the highlights:

The Ukrainian Lutheran Church has 14 congregations, 12 pastors, and 5 deacons, serving 655 members.
While services in Bereznehuvate had to cease temporarily, once Russian forces were out of the area, the congregation not only resumed regular worship but also started a mission in Snihurivka.
The pastor for the congregation in Tokmak had to leave the city after Russians started arresting Protestant pastors. Many members left as well.
Thousands have received aid in the form of food, medicine, household supplies, clothes, and more through the Ukrainian Lutheran Church.

Ukrainian Lutheran Church. woman standing in front of chopped wood. — Left: In Kyiv, 90 people have joined the church and 30 more are taking catechism classes. Pictured is a worship service that included many confirmations. Right: “We are grateful to WELS for helping us to buy electric generators, charging stations, electric inverters, and lots of firewood,” says Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. “During three war winters we have light in our churches and in most of our homes, and we are warm.” Pictured is a recipient of this aid.

“We have about 150 new communicant members [throughout the Ukrainian Lutheran Church] because of our humanitarian efforts, and about 100 more people are currently studying Luther’s Small Catechism,” says Horpynchuk. “In addition, several hundred attend the church every Sunday without enrolling in catechism classes.”

Read the entire, unedited update from Bishop Vyacheslav Horpynchuk.

Read WELS President Mark Schroeder’s March 2025 editorial, “Even in darkness light dawns,” which also highlights WELS’ relationship with the Ukrainian Lutheran Church.

Author: FIC
Volume 112, Number 03
Issue: March 2025