Why is faith growing in Ukraine, even as Russia destroys its churches?
In the U.S., religion may be stagnant if not slightly declining, but in Ukraine, faith has given the country the strength to continue fighting against Russian invaders for over four years. Ukrainians’ stunning show of faith may understandably be overshadowed by their impressive defensive operations against Russia, but faith has been a key part of the fight — strengthening communities’ resolve and sense of purpose, which has carried Ukraine forward.
In the midst of overwhelming evidence showing that Russia has damaged or destroyed at least 737 places of worship in Ukraine, alongside the systematic killing and torture of Ukrainian faith leaders, there is a stunning rise in Christian believers across the country.
Since the invasion began, the number of registered religious organizations in Ukraine has grown by more than 3,000, an almost 10% rise, in mostly Catholic and Protestant congregations. The rise in religious belief among citizens has followed a similar pattern, with 74% of Ukrainians identifying as believers, up from 68% before the war. What those in the West may find the most striking is that among 18- to 24-year-olds, the share who call themselves believers rose from 48% to 61%, the biggest jump of any age group.
Conflict leading to increased religious belief is by no means a new idea, but the widespread visibility of the war has put the faith carried by millions of Ukrainians on display for the world to see.
Having been on the ground across Ukraine, this display of devotion does not shock me. As serving God becomes a more dangerous task due to ever-present Russian attacks, it is the country's youth who have come out in force to care for the elderly in their communities, carry the generators for their hollowed-out sanctuaries, and sing their praise loudly for those who are no longer able to. These acts may happen beyond the front lines, but they are part of the same national effort — communities choosing to serve, rebuild, worship, and move forward despite Russia’s attempts to break them.
Mark Sergeev is just one of countless faith leaders who have seen their church occupied, damaged, or destroyed by Russian forces. Now Pastor of the Kyiv Ecclesia Church, Mark previously led the Melitopol Christian Church, founded by his parents 30 years ago in southeastern Ukraine, until Russia confiscated both the church and his home.
After relocating to Kyiv, he lost a second home to the war. Sustained by his faith, Mark continues to serve his congregation, young and old, with compassion, courage, and unwavering hope despite overwhelming loss, a story now documented in “Even in the Ruins,” an episode of the new series “Faith in War.” In recent months, we’ve seen Russia increase its targeting of churches. Rebuilding a church is not the easy choice. It is an act of confidence in Ukraine’s future — and a declaration that Russia has failed to destroy the communities it sought to erase.
Still, Russian bombs continue to drop on Ukrainian churches. On Sunday, October 18th, a Russian attack destroyed the Good News Pentecostal Church, led by Pastor Viktor Pavenko for over 30 years. Had it not been for an early warning of a high risk of a targeted strike in the area, there could have been hundreds of casualties, given the attack occurred at 11 am on Sunday, during regular worship service hours.
As places of worship continue to be destroyed by war, churches across the country still bring together thousands of worshipers every single Sunday. Some are in bomb shelters, others are in the shell of formerly beautiful sanctuaries, yet Ukrainians are still coming together. This sense of community, driven by faith, keeps hope alive.
In this modern and relentless war, faith alone may not lead to victory, but it has become a significant part of how Ukrainians sustain the mental strength to continue defending their homeland. As we have seen in Pastor Mark Sergeev, Pastor Viktor Pavenko, and thousands of others, faith, community, and resilience remain even when buildings do not.
As long as Ukrainians' faith remains, so does their determination to fight for freedom.
Colby Barrett, JD, PE, is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and former U.S. Marine Corps Captain who led infantry and scout/sniper platoons in the Pacific Rim and Middle East. He is the producer of "A Faith Under Siege."
