During the liturgical season of Lent, Christians are encouraged to reflect on the suffering of Jesus. Steven Moore, a former chief of staff on Capitol Hill and founder of the Ukraine Freedom Project, highlighted the importance of remembering Christians in Ukraine who are currently facing persecution. In Ukraine, Lent looks different compared to the United States, with sacrifices happening year-round due to ongoing challenges such as personal safety and restrictions on worship. Despite these hardships, Moore commended Ukrainian Christians for their high morale and bravery in upholding their faith.
One specific example provided by Moore was an incident in the Ukrainian city of Melitopol, where Russian soldiers interrupted a Baptist church service, fingerprinted attendees, and arrested the pastor. He emphasized that Ukrainian Christians are facing ongoing persecution and are celebrating Easter underground, with the constant threat of Russian troops. Despite the challenges they face, Moore praised their courage and faithfulness in the midst of adversity, noting that they are not only fighting for territorial and freedom struggles, but also for their faith and religious freedom.
Moore highlighted the harsh reality that many non-Russian Orthodox churches in Ukraine have been systematically shut down by the Russian military, and at least 26 Christian leaders have been killed. He expressed concern that these stories are not reaching the global community due to information being tightly controlled. Moore urged fellow Christians to offer their service and prayers for the forgotten Christians in Ukraine, and encouraged raising awareness about their plight.
As Christians around the world observe Lent and prepare for Easter, Moore emphasized the importance of solidarity and support for those facing persecution for their faith. He encouraged readers to join him in prayer for the countless individuals whose stories remain untold, and to consider ways in which they can actively support and advocate for religious freedom in Ukraine. By bringing attention to the challenges faced by Ukrainian Christians, Moore hopes to inspire compassion and action among believers worldwide during this holy season.
In conclusion, Moore called on Christians to remember the sacrifices being made by their brothers and sisters in Ukraine, acknowledging the immense challenges they face in practicing their faith. He emphasized the need for prayer, service, and awareness-raising efforts to support those who are marginalized and persecuted for their beliefs. By standing in solidarity with Ukrainian Christians, Moore hoped to inspire a deeper sense of empathy and connection among believers globally, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion during the Lenten season and beyond.
Overall, Moore’s message served as a reminder of the trials faced by Christians in Ukraine and the importance of standing in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their faith. By sharing these stories and calling for action, he sought to raise awareness and encourage support for Ukrainian Christians during Lent and beyond, emphasizing the need for compassion, prayer, and advocacy in the face of religious persecution.
