Biblioteca Digital Wesleyana

Between Pain and Hope, the Methodists of Ukraine

Odilon Massolar Chaves

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It is allowed to read, copy and share for free

Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.

Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 611

Books published by the author: 683

Cover photo: https://abcnews.go.com/I /International/russia-ukraine-war-year-russias-invasion-ukraine/story?id=97247428

Rev. Igor Park, on the cover.

Translator: Google

All glory to God!

Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

He is married to RoseMary. He has two daughters: Liliana and Luciana.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

He was editor of the official Methodist newspaper and coordinator of the Theology Course.

Copyright Statement: These files are in the public domain and are derived from an electronic edition that is available on the Ethereal Library of Christian Classics website.

Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

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"People do not lose hope. They adapt to the situation and try to be very creative."

(Yulia Starodubets)

===============================

Index

· Introduction

· Highlights of the book's chapters

· Religion, privileges, and religious persecution

· The History of Methodism in Ukraine

· The Kyiv District Superintendent

· The shepherd who gave his life for his sheep

· The dedication of Methodist pastors

· Prayer for Ukraine by Bishop Rosemarie Wenner

· Tribute to Igor Park

===============================

Introduction

===============================

This is not "just war. This is terror," said the Rev. Oleg Starodubets, district superintendent of The United Methodist Church of Ukraine.

Although people are tired of a war that does not end, there is still hope.

"Between Pain and Hope, the Methodists of Ukraine" is a 28-page book that portrays the history and current moment of Methodism in Ukraine highlighting some characters.

The revd. Yulia Starodubets said that "people do not lose hope. They adapt to the situation and try to be very creative."

Rev. Igor Park, who died in the war, said, "Pray for peace, for freedom, and then for our soldiers," ^{^[1]} Igor said. And he said: "Ah! They couldn't die... I understand it's war, but it would be great if they could be alive and they could be pastors or church planters, be good husbands." ^{^[2]}

There is a special tribute with a poem about the life and ministry of Igor Park, who decided to stay in Kharkiv, amid the daily bombardments, to welcome his sheep and anyone in need.

Igor Park left alive the message and example of what it is to truly be a pastor.

The Author

===============================

Highlights of the book's chapters

===============================

Religion, privileges, and religious persecution

There are accusations from Global Christian Relief, an international ministry that advocates on behalf of those who are persecuted for their Christian faith, about the persecution of Christians by Russians in Ukraine.

The History of Methodism in Ukraine

It was the Swedish Methodist missionary Carl Lindborg who, in 1882, organized Methodism in Eurasia

The Kyiv District Superintendent

"We were woken up from deep morning sleep by the sound of explosions and many phone calls from friends," said the Rev. Oleg Starodubets, a district superintendent who sent a message to Kiev's UM News on Feb. 24. "People took their loved ones and tried to leave the cities."

The shepherd who gave his life for his sheep"Pray for peace, for freedom, and then for our soldiers," ^{^[3]} Igor said. And he said: "Ah! They couldn't die... I understand it's war, but it would be great if they could be alive and they could be pastors or church planters, be good husbands." ^{^[4]}

He also asked for prayer for his wife Suzanna and children, who had to flee to Romania.

He added: "But I'll stay here!".

The dedication of Methodist pastors

Prokip said the church has also become a facilitating hub, collecting and distributing donations of food, clothing, sleeping bags and air mattresses not only nearby, but also making deliveries to areas farther east.

Prayer for Ukraine by Bishop Rosemarie Wenner

"Prayer for Ukraine by Bishop Rosemarie Wenner during the morning ecumenical prayer held on May 15, 2023, when World Council of Churches (WCC) staff and partners observed the UN International Day of Living Together in Peace.

Tribute to Igor Park

Igor, you were an artist, carpenter and pastor.

A wise person and a great preacher.

You not only erected the temple of Kharkiv,

But with his example,

You're lifting

Many ministers

In Their Ministries

===============================

Religion, privileges, and religious persecution

===============================

The largest church in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has "35 parishes and 10,875 communities (about 68% of all Orthodox Christian communities in the country). Most are located in the center, south and east of the country."^{^[5]}

According to 2022 data, about 85% of Ukraine's population identifies with Christianity.

Protestants make up between 1% and 3% of the population in Ukraine. The largest church is the Pentecostal with more than 250 thousand members.

Another strong church is the Baptist Church with thousands of members.

There are also, in a small number, the Methodists, Mennonites, Lutherans (Ukrainian Lutheran Church), Presbyterians and others" ^{^[6]}

"In the Russian-controlled regions, the Russian Orthodox Church (IOR) has privileges and all other denominations are under restrictions. In mainland Ukraine, the dispute between the two rival Orthodox churches has led to tension: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (IOU) cut ties with Moscow in May 2022 in protest of the Russian invasion, on February 24, 2022, while the government of Ukraine imposed a total ban on the IOR in mainland Ukraine in September 2024."^{^[7]}

"The Institute for Religious Freedom (IRF) has documented several cases in which Russia has seized religious buildings and used them as military outposts to conceal firing positions.

In addition, Russia has murdered at least 26 religious leaders and tortured and imprisoned many others. Russian soldiers labeled Ukrainian Christians as "'American spies' and 'enemies of the Russian Orthodox people'.^{^[8]}

Methodist Bishop Knut Refsdal was elected in April 2025 and assigned to lead the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Episcopal Area.^{^[9]}

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The History of Methodism in Ukraine

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It was the Swedish Methodist missionary Carl Lindborg who, in 1882, organized Methodism in Eurasia

Methodism came to Ukraine before World War I.

It was the Swedish Methodist missionary Carl Lindborg who, in 1882, organized Methodism in Eurasia.

He founded the first Russian Methodist congregation in St. Petersburg in 1889.

"Some congregations were planted in Ukraine before World War I, notably near Uzhgorod and Ternopil, but of these, all but the community in Uzhgorod were closed during the Soviet era. The outreach that would lead to the present-day churches in Ukraine began after the end of the Soviet Union, which brought an influx and spread of United Methodist missionaries from the United States, Germany, and Liberia to many of the newly independent nations in the 1990s."[10]

"Ukraine once had brief independence between 1917 and 1921, but was absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1922 after the Russian Revolution."^{^[11]}

Until 1991, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. It regained its independence with the disintegration of the USSR.

The official and main language is Ukrainian which resembles the Russian language, which is widely spoken in some regions of the country.

In the 2017 statistic, there were 351 members of the United Methodist Church of Ukraine.

There is still an important fact. The "congregations are strategically located in larger or nearby cities, including Kharkiv, Kyiv, Poltova and Chernivtsi, as well as the two Russian-recognized separatist areas of Donetzk and Luhansk. This means that they are well positioned for outreach across the country and that several of their cities are among the most attacked at this time. In fact, many in the Luhansk church had already fled in 2020 because of the attacks by pro-Russian insurgents who hit their church building."^{^[12]}

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The Kyiv District Superintendent

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Oleg Starodubets was born on January 14, 1980. ^{^[13]}

In 2018, Oleg became a pastor of The United Methodist Church.

In 2002, he married Rev. Dr. Yulia Starodubets (Pastor and Physician).

They have been a source of resistance, support and information in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

"Kiev, also Kiev, is the capital and the most populous city in Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it stretches along both sides of the Dnieper River. As of January 1, 2022, its population was 2,952,301, making Kyiv the seventh most populous city in Europe. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center. It is home to many high-tech industries, institutions of higher learning, and historical landmarks. The city has an extensive public transport system and infrastructure, including the Kiev metro."^{^[15]}

The reactions of Methodists and others

There were several reactions from Methodists and other evangelicals condemning the invasion and asking for peace.

Among them, we highlight:

"The World Methodist Council, working with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC), condemned the attacks on Ukraine, called for prayer for peace and announced a special prayer service for peace on Ash Wednesday.

After the invasion, the European Methodist Council issued a prayer for peace in Europe. The Methodist Church in Britain posted its own prayer, along with additional worship resources.

The bishops of the IMU in Europe also called for peace. Bishop Eduard Khegay, whose episcopal area includes Russia and Ukraine, posted on Facebook a day before the attack asking for prayers for peace, condemning the war and raising in particular the IMU congregation in Luhansk. United Methodist media outlets in Germany and Switzerland have also compiled reactions."^{^[16]}

Rev. Yulia Starodubets

"Oleg and Yulia are happy parents of twin daughters. They are 9 years old and their names Vita and Eva."^{^[17]}

Oleg is District Superintendent in Ukraine. "Oleg served as the Central Asia UMC's SD. Rev. Yulia Starodubets serves as pastor at Lighthouse UMC, Kyiv."

They planted Lighthouse United Methodist Church in 2018.

At the start of the war, The United Methodist Church in Ukraine was made up of ten churches and 350 active members.^{^[18]}

Many have left.

Rev. Yulia Starodubets said, "We have mothers of dead soldiers," she said. "Every family has its own special story. They all experienced a tragedy."^{^[19]}

"In the first two years of the war, people were more optimistic and more patriotic," said the Rev. Yulia Starodubets, who is living with refugees at Under the Castle, a United Methodist missionary center near Kam'yanytsya, Ukraine, as she does what she can to help. Nowadays, people get tired and, of course, soldiers get tired. … We're not so optimistic these days."^{^[20]}

"Yulia is also a doctor, an experienced pediatrician and studied psychology."^{^[21]}

Under the courageous leadership of Oleg and Yulia, "the UMC in Ukraine is in the process of developing a Social and Spiritual Rehabilitation Center in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine. This trauma center will be a relevant and appropriate expression of the church in this time of war and its aftermath. Quite simply, this is church being church. That's what we do. Because it's the kind of thing that Jesus would do. Serving people who are suffering. Walking with those who need help. Bringing healing and wholeness. Offering hope. Leaving no one behind." ^{^[22]}

Shelter

"From the earliest days of the war, our goal was to find safe places for our people," said Yulia Starodubets.

She said that before the church had shelters set up — there are now three — members formed a network of people willing to welcome evacuees into their own homes or find places to shelter them.

At first, they went to the train station daily to meet the arriving evacuees. Now, there are social media pages set up so people can learn about United Methodist shelters before they even leave their area." ^{^[23]}

Escape and prayer request

Oleg said: "A war is the difficult moment. But during this time you become a witness to God's work through our brothers and sisters around the world. The whole world prays for Ukraine and supports it financially."^{^[24]}

"As the Russian invasion escalated, Reverend Starodubets, his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters had to flee their home in Kyiv to western Ukraine to seek shelter in a school. They are in Ukraine to continue to provide aid to members of their church and others who remain in the country. "We have a pastor of a church in Kharvkiv that was surrounded by shelling at the beginning of the war who has not gone away," said Rev. Starodubets. ^{^[25]}

One of Rev. Oleg is for the capital Kiev to remain. "We want peace for our people. We want peace on the condition of freedom from the occupiers who are killing our people to leave our land. Pray for Ukraine's freedom." As John Wesley said, "The world is my parish." The love of Christ knows no borders. It reminds us that we have more work to do in our mission to bring the world closer to the Kingdom of God on earth. We pray for the safety of Ukrainians and for an end to this war."^{^[26]}

Oleg and family took refuge in the subway after Russian airstrike

Report

"A Russian airstrike left at least seven dead and 82 wounded in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, in the early hours of Thursday (31). According to Ukrainian authorities, more than 12 locations were hit, and the number of victims could increase. The offensive involved 309 drones and eight Iskander hypersonic missiles launched by Russia."^{^[27]}

Oleg's report

From Kiev, with trembling hands.

Our first night in Kyiv on the way to Kharkiv — to bury Pastor Igor Pak.

We didn't expect it to start like this.

Sirens. Drones. Missiles.

We ran to the subway with the girls.

We spent the night underground, listening to the sky roar and crackle.

The explosions were close. Too close.

The girls were scared, but they didn't cry. They held their father's hand and waited.

That's what children in Ukraine do now — they wait for the end of the war in silence.

In the morning, more rockets.

Some did not survive the night.

Houses were destroyed.

Lives were lost.

This is not "just war".

This is terror — directed at people who sleep.

And we still have a long way to go.

To Kharkiv. For mourning. For faith.

But we are alive.

And we still believe in the light."^{^[28]}

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The shepherd who gave his life for his sheep

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"Pray for peace, for freedom, and then for our soldiers," ^{^[29]} Igor said. And he said: "Ah! They couldn't die... I understand it's war, but it would be great if they could be alive and they could be pastors or church planters, be good husbands." ^{^[30]}

He also asked for prayer for his wife Suzanna and children, who had to flee to Romania.

He added: "But I'll stay here!".

;

(Igor Partk)

Igor Park was a pastor in Kharkiv, Ukraine. When the war began, his family went to Romania, but he decided to stay and support his sheep.

His ministry

"In 2001, the Methodist Church of Kharkiv, Ukraine, was founded by Rev. Igor Pak and his sister Rimma. In 2010, they bought a plot of land with the intention of building a new church. Rev. Igor Pak not only helped finance the construction, but also devoted many hours to the construction. In 2017, they completed the new sanctuary."

"Kharkiv, also known as Kharkov,isthe second largestcityOfUkraine. Located in the northeast of the country, it is the largest city in the historic region ofSloboda Ukraine. Kharkiv is the administrative center of theOblast de Kharkivandfrom Kharkiv Raion. Before theRussian invasion of UkraineAt the beginning of 2022, it had an estimated population of 1,421,125 inhabitants".^{^[31]}

Igor was a shepherd, carpenter and artist. He chose to remain in his church during the war with Russia. He said that as long as there were church members, he would stay and shelter members who lost their homes in the bombings, Oleg said.

His family had to be evacuated to Romania: "My wife moved to Romania, but I stay here," he said.^{^[32]}

The purchase of Igor Pak's artwork helped cover the costs of maintaining the building during this difficult time.

Pastor Oleg said, "Kharkiv is the heroine city that has been under constant attack from Russia for 12 days. The city is badly destroyed, the infrastructure is paralyzed. But the Russian army failed to capture it. It is possible to see a lot of Russian military equipment burned around the city...

"Many members of our Kharkiv church left the city as refugees and we welcomed them in western Ukraine. Some of the members were not able to get out and hide from the shelling in the underground," Oleg said.

Pastor Igor stayed in the city and continued to support the members of his church.

Oleg had asked for prayers for Pastor Igor: "pray for Pastor Igor and for the safety of your church."^{^[33]}

When Pastor Igor was asked on a YouTube channel what he would ask for prayers for, he said: "For peace, for freedom, and then for our soldiers," [34] Igor said. And he said: "Ah! They couldn't die... I understand it's war, but it would be great if they could be alive and they could be pastors or church planters... be good husbands." ^{^[35]}

He also asked for prayer for his wife Suzanna and children, who had to flee to Romania.

He added: "But I'll stay here!".

He also asked for prayer so that he could serve people with acts of love, as he can show the gospel to people.

Igor was a brave and faithful man, as his district superintendent Oleg Starodubets said.

His passing

Rev. Oleg reported the death of Rev. Igor occurred on July 26, 2025.

Oleg Starodubets said that he was an excellent preacher and extremely wise.

"He lived three and a half years under intense daily bombardment," said his overseer, Rev. Oleg Starodubets.

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The dedication of Methodist pastors

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Alla Vuksta and Volodymyr Prokip are two of the Methodist pastors in Ukraine.

The Rev. Alla Vuksta, pastor of Kamyanitsa United Methodist Church near Uzhhorod, opened her church and parsonage to welcome the refugees.

"In our house, we give all the rooms to the refugees," she said. "These people have nothing to go back to. They asked, 'How long can we be with you?' and we said, 'As long as you want.'"

In addition to the hostel, the Ukrainian church operates a shelter in part of the Onokivtsi High School."^{^[36]}

Volodymyr Prokip is pastor of St. John's United Methodist Church in Lviv.

He "said he met the first evacuees of his church while running to a bomb shelter during the bombing.

"Before the war, we had a regular ministry. In the first two days of the war, we asked how we could be the most helpful, so we opened the church because a lot of people started coming and we expected more to come," he said.

"With each new challenge, more people and more needs, we responded and God was providing everything we need," he said. ^{^[37]}

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Prayer for Ukraine by Bishop Rosemarie Wenner

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God of justice and peace,

Hear our lament. 445 days have passed since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Millions have had to flee their homes, many have died, survivors of attacks, rapes and violence are traumatized; children have been displaced to Russia – there is a lot of pain, also within Russia.

God, we grieve with those who are suffering. We cry out to Mother Earth that is contaminated, devastated, undermined...

We confess that we often turn a blind eye when conflicts escalate, invest in weapons and walls to sustain people and relationships, turn our backs and get used to so many war zones on our planet.

Jesus Christ, wounded healer, you were brutally killed and conquered death. Have mercy on those who are suffering. Give hope to everyone in despair. Teach your disciples on both sides of war zones to act like humans and overcome hatred. Remind us gathered today of our call to be peacemakers.

Holy Spirit, breath of life, comforter, teacher of righteousness - open our hearts and inspire our thoughts so that we become your co-workers toward peace with righteousness. Bless the efforts of the World Council of Churches, Pope Francis, and others to negotiate measures that can lead to talks toward a just peace in Ukraine. Remind us that your love, the triune God, leads the world to reconciliation and unity.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer."^{^[38]}

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Tribute to Igor Park

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Igor, you were an artist, carpenter and pastor.

A wise person and a great preacher.

You not only erected the temple of Kharkiv,

But with his example,

You're lifting

Many ministers

In Their Ministries

Igor Park,

You rescued the meaning

On the exercise of the pastoral ministry

When he gave his life

For His Sheep

In the war in Ukraine and Russia.

You have decided to continue your ministry,

Even in the midst of danger

From the daily bombers in Kharkiv.

What pain did you feel

To see so many people injured and dead!

But you stayed to offer welcome

And hope

To everyone who would need it.

What pain you must have felt

For having spent so many days

Away from his wife Susanna!

"My wife moved to Romania,

but I stay here,"

You said.^{^[39]}

Igor, you were an artist, carpenter and pastor.

A wise person and a great preacher.

You not only erected the temple of Kharkiv,

But with his example,

You're lifting

Many ministers

In their ministries.

You produced works of art

And it helped cover maintenance costs

Of the building in this time of war..

What a fine example of giving away your possessions

For the work of the Kingdom of God!

You also thought of everyone,

Less on you,

When he said:

"Pray for peace,

For freedom,

And then by our soldiers.

Oh! They couldn't die."

Your love for the life of others

It was revealed in many moments.

About the soldiers in the war,

You said:

"I understand that it is war.

But it would be great if they could be alive

And they could be shepherds

Or Church planters...

Be good husbands."

When asked about

Who would you ask for prayers for,

You asked for prayer for Suzanna and children,

who had to flee to Romania.

"But I'll stay here!" ^{^[40]} he said.

What a beautiful example, Igor!

You left a great legacy,

You taught what it is

To be a true shepherd,

And a servant of Jesus Christ.

You have earned eternal life

For your faith in Jesus

Demonstrated by acts of love.

Won an award,

As our Lord promised.

I can only say:

Thank you very much.

You have rescued the meaning of being a pastor.

One day I want to have the privilege

To know him in eternity.

(Odilon Massolar Chaves)

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[1] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[2] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[3] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[4] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[5] https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religião_na_Ucrânia

[6] https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religião_na_Ucrânia

[7]https://portasabertas.org.br/lista-mundial-da-perseguicao/ucrania

[8]https://guiame.com.br/ gospel/noticias/pastores-e-igrejas-evangelicas-sao-principais-alvos-na-ucrania-diz-advogado-cristao.html

[9] https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-ukrainians-need-churchs-presence

[10] www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-how-are-united-methodists-present-in-ukraine

[11] Overview Powered by Google AI

[12] https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-how-are-united-methodists-present-in-ukraine

[13] https://www.facebook.com//oleg.starodubets/about_contact_and_basic_info

[14] https://www.calpacumc.org/news/united-methodists-respond-to-invasion-of-ukraine-um-news/

[15] https://en.wikipedia.org/wwiki/Kyiv

[16] http://www.umglobal.org/2022/02/methodists-react-to-russian-invasion-of.htm

[17] https://www.unityinmission.net/b blog/speaker/oleg-yulia/

[18] https://www.umc-ne.org/blogs/a-country-at-war/

https://www.umnews.org/[19] news/ukrainian-delegate-glad-to-be-united-methodist

[20]https://www.nyac.com/newsdetail/bishops-ukrainians-need-church-s-presence-19252319

[21] https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/our-stories/rebuilding-lives-destroyed-by-the-war/

[22] https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/our-stories/rebuilding-lives-destroyed-by-the-war/

https://www.calpacumc.org/[23] stories/ukrainian-united-methodists-care-for-fellow-countrymen-um-news/

[24]https:// www.facebook.com/oleg.starodubets

[25]https://www.umcnic.org/media/files/eNews/Prayers%20for%20Ukranian%20Methodists.pdf

[26]https://www.umcnic.org/ media/files/eNews/Prayers%20for%20Ukranian%20Methodists.pdf

[27] Reporting: Luca Bassani, #JornalDaManhã; Jovem Pan news.

[28] https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CjJU2ZJYq/

[29] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[30] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

https://en.wikipedia.org/[31] wiki/Kharkiv

[32] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[33] https://www.facebook.com/oleg.starodubets

[34] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[35] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

https://www.calpacumc.org/ [36]stories/ukrainian-united-methodists-care-for-fellow-countrymen-um-news/

https://www.calpacumc.org/ [37]stories/ukrainian-united-methodists-care-for-fellow-countrymen-um-news/

[38] https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/prayers/prayer-for-ukraine-by-bishop-rosemarie-wenner

[39] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

[40] https://www.facebook.com/100064702539510/posts/an-update-from-pastor-igor-one-of-our-global-partners-who-is-in-kiev-ukraine-con/10158143089671216/

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