Kateryna Nikonorova, SGA's communication coordinator in Ukraine, has spoken to several pastors and church leaders on the ongoing importance of Easter during in a time of war.
She writes:
‘Palm Sunday saw another devastating missile attack on Ukraine – this one occurring in Sumy where 34 people were killed and 117 more were injured. It has become a terrifying tradition that every major holiday is now marked by another act of violence. How then can we celebrate during such a time as this? And how can we rejoice when every day running up to Easter Sunday may bring yet another tragedy? But the reality of sin, evil, and suffering does not take away our hope. On the contrary, we consider all the more how the Lord was betrayed, found falsely guilty, and humiliated, how he was beaten, crucified, and murdered, and how, having suffering so terribly, He took on Himself the penalty for all our sin. Only then could he provide us with the hope of resurrection.'
Here are a few Ukrainian SGA-sponsored pastors and missionaries who share about the importance of the meaning of Easter during this time of ongoing conflict and uncertainty.
Pastor Alexander Radin
For years, Pastor Alexander Radin demonstrated remarkable perseverance and courage as he both cared for and served the people of Eastern Ukraine. Eventually however, because of the worsening violence, he was forced to leave his home and start planting a new church in a different region. Now, as Easter approaches, Pastor Alexander writes:
“Easter is light and hope. These are not just words – I mean them deeply.
At times, I feel overwhelmed when I think about how I’ve lost both my home and ministry in a town that was once growing and thriving. Returning there recently to evacuate dear friends who, 20 years previously had prayed for my salvation, I cried. Because that place was my home, and I didn’t want to leave.
But Christ’s sacrifice has given me true life and hope. And I believe that through the ministry of our team, many will hear the Gospel and receive salvation and life through Jesus Christ.
Hope and life overcome death – but death comes before the Resurrection. And so, we must sometimes walk through something that feels like death – the death of our old lives. And for now, the war goes on – the war for souls, for lives, for everything.”
Pastor Alexander and his team are working to plant a church in the area they now live and will start regular church services on Easter Sunday. They felt led to take this first important step when several unbelieving friends who attend a Bible study locally came and asked where they should celebrate Easter.
Also, please remember Pastor Alexander’s son in your prayers, as he is currently serving in the Ukrainian army.
Pastor Mykola Syrovatka
Mykola once served in the Ukrainian army. He writes:
“On Easter Sunday, I hear people say ‘Christ is risen’ – but for many, those words carry no real meaning.
That was once true for me too. But now I know what Christ did for me and what He saved me from. I understand the value of His suffering. I know that if it weren’t for Him, I wouldn’t be here today. The Lord changed me, changed my life, and gave me the incredible privilege of serving Him as His child.
Easter is a deeply personal reminder: it should have been me hanging on that cross. I deserved it. But He took my place. I love the Lord — and those are not just words. I will give Him my life.”
“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Pray for courage, protection, and for the hope of the Gospel to shine through their service and witness.