Impact of COVID-19 on Ukrainian and Russian Lutherans

by Oleksiy Navrotskyy

UKRAINE – Information on the COVID-19 pandemic, and the quarantine requirements stated by our civil government, have largely been met with skepticism and mistrust by many Christians living in Ukraine. What might appear to be a strange reaction from Ukrainian Christians actually stems from the history of the Slavic church, which for decades was persecuted by the government during the Soviet Union era. As a result, the Ukrainian government’s recommendation that churches cancel Divine Service, Bible studies and other vital practices of the church at this time, has been considered, by many Ukrainian pastors and congregations, to be an act of aggression or an assault on our freedom and rights as Christians. 

More troubling, some Christian leaders are actively neglecting the requirements put forth by the medical community, proclaiming that COVID-19 is not a danger at all, and that God will protect those “truly faithful Christians” preventing them from getting sick. These extreme positions, largely coming from charismatic groups and often shared via social media, penetrate into the hearts and minds of weak Christians, poisoning the faith of our beloved brothers and sister in Christ.

For this reason, the Lutheran pastors of Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) and other confessional Lutherans in Ukraine are striving to protect the flock of Christ from such false teachings. This has proven challenging, given that parishioners are stuck in their homes and unable to come to church to be fed with the solid teaching and encouragement of God’s Word and the Holy Sacrament. Unfortunately, there is also a lack of solid Lutheran media resources (sermons and articles, etc.) in Russian and Ukrainian.

In the face of such challenges, SELCU pastors have been thrust into “emergency mode” in their pastoral ministry—which has brought forth opportunities that our confessional fathers could not have imagined! In addition to daily prayers for congregants, SELCU pastors are making multiple phone calls each day to stay in touch with parishioners; recording Divine Services to post online; and leading Bible studies online.

In the face of such challenges, SELCU pastors have been thrust into “emergency mode” in their pastoral ministry—which has brought forth opportunities that our confessional fathers could not have imagined! In addition to daily prayers for congregants, SELCU pastors are making multiple phone calls each day to stay in touch with parishioners; recording Divine Services to post online; and leading Bible studies online.

At the same time, the cancellation of youth meetings, Sunday school, and confirmation classes, has raised concerns for the youth and children, many of which come from non-Christian families.

Along with the spiritual concerns, the people in Russia and Ukraine, like most places around the world, are facing growing unemployment, leaving entire families without enough money to afford food and basic needs. SLCU pastors have been working to identify such families in dire need within their parishes, in order to find ways to support them.

Along with the spiritual concerns, the people in Russia and Ukraine, like most places around the world, are facing growing unemployment, leaving entire families without enough money to afford food and basic needs. SLCU pastors have been working to identify such families in dire need within their parishes, in order to find ways to support them.

During these difficult times, the Lutherans in Ukraine are thinking deeply of the nature (the essence) of the Christian Church itself; how to address the needs of her members and community; and reflecting on the questions and challenges that are being faced.

We believe that the Church is believers who are gathered around God’s Word and Sacraments, but what are we if we are being gathered only ‘virtually’? How can we provide Confession and Absolution and the comfort of the Gospel to those dying at home or the hospital? How long can we deprive ourselves of Holy Communion as a result of the quarantine? What are some new ways we can apply to deliver God’s Word and Christian teaching via media?

Thankfully our Bishop and pastors are supporting one another and coordinating our efforts to address these questions and challenges, but above all we rely on God’s mercy and guidance, praying that He will shorten these difficult days of tests, temptations and struggles. And we are praying for you, our dear brothers and sisters of Lutheran Church–Canada, thankful for the support, lessons and guidance you have given us, especially at this time.

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Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy is a missionary for Lutheran Church–Canada and the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine.

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