Young Mission Workers Murdered

A broadcast tower in Slavyansk was completely destroyed.
Photo: FEBC

Four young Christian workers were recently captured by pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine and brutally beaten to death. According to a ministry affiliate, they were killed simply for being Christians. "These young men were faithful Christians who cared about evangelizing their countrymen by using personal witnessing, as well as media," he reported. "We are deeply saddened and shocked."

In addition to this horrific tragedy, a Christian broadcast tower in Slavyansk was shot down and completely destroyed. The tower, which was located in the midst of the fighting, had been off air. FEBC is still broadcasting in Western Ukraine, reaching millions, and is looking for a new location to resume broadcasting to the residents of Eastern Ukraine.

"We are doing everything we can to give hope to people in a seemingly hopeless situation,” explains a FEBC representative. “But more than ever, we are desperate for your prayers and for God to move in the lives of the people of Ukraine. Please pray for those who continue to serve and risk their lives every day to see the Gospel go forth. Pray for peace in Russia and Ukraine."

As many now grieve the sudden loss of these four young men, pray that God will surround each one with His peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). May other Christians in this area not be discouraged but instead emboldened to share the Good News with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Also, pray that He will provide for FEBC's needs so ministry broadcasts can resume in Eastern Ukraine, serving as a catalyst of lasting peace in these two countries.

Ukraine News

  • Verdict Expected for Priest Charged with Espionage
    An Orthodox Church of Ukraine monastery is surrounded by trees with a city in the background.
    An "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" monastery.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Rbrechko (cc)

    When Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in May 2023, little was known about the whereabouts of the Ukrainian Orthodox priest. In late March 2024, the Russian prosecutor for the Zaporizhzhia Region announced that Father Kostiantyn would be facing espionage charges. (For more details, see this report.)

  • Russian Forces Charge Another Church Leader
    An Orthodox Church of Ukraine monastery is surrounded by trees with a city in the background.
    An "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" monastery.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Rbrechko (cc)

    In May 2023, Father Kostiantyn Maksimov, a priest from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, was taken by Russian occupation forces. Several other religious leaders have either been killed, tortured or reported missing after being detained by members of the Russian forces.

  • Priest Fatally Tortured; Others Facing Deportation
    A large monastery with gold domesis set in a wooded area.
    An "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" monestary.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Rbrechko (cc)

    Members of the Russian occupation forces seized Father Stepan Podolchak on February 13th. The Christian leader had been serving as the abbot of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Kalanchak, a village located within the Russian-occupied Kherson Region. Taking him away with a bag over his head, the soldiers insisted that he go with them for questioning. Two days later, Father Stepan's battered body was found on the village street. Some reports state that he had also suffered a bullet wound to the head. 

  • Mysterious Disappearance of Imprisoned Church Leaders
    A church is behind an iron gate.
    A church in Melitopol
    Photo: Wikipedia / Олег Довгаль (cc)

    A recently published Persecution & Prayer Alert report had requested prayer for various churches that were forcibly closed in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. (To review the previously posted report, go to this page.) Further reports have since been released informing that other churches have faced similar trials.