Pray for the ‘courageous’ Christians of Ukraine during Lent, says religious freedom advocate

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During the liturgical season of Lent, you will need to keep in mind the Christians round the world who’re struggling persecution, particularly these in Ukraine, a religious freedom advocate advised Fox News Digital.

“During Lent, Christians reflect on the suffering of Jesus during his 40 days in the desert,” stated Steven Moore.

Today based mostly in Ukraine, Moore is a former chief of employees on Capitol Hill and founder of the Ukraine Freedom Project. 

“Unfortunately, Ukraine’s faithful have an easier time identifying with the suffering of our Lord than most,” he stated. 

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Lent in Ukraine seems to be very totally different in comparison with the United States. 

“In the United States, the sacrifice of Lent is preceded by a Fat Tuesday celebration and ends with Easter, a family feast celebrating Christ’s victory over death and resurrection for our sins,” stated Moore.

people praying split with a picture of Steven Moore

The devoted cannot overlook about Christians in Ukraine, who face persecution all 12 months lengthy, stated Steven Moore. He moved to Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022. (iStock/Artem Galkin)

While many Christians in the United States choose to surrender one thing like sweets or soda during Lent, these sacrifices in Ukraine are occurring all 12 months lengthy. 

“Believers in Russian-occupied Ukraine celebrate Lent, but in truth are giving things up year round, such as personal safety and the ability to worship the Lord as they choose among them,” he stated. 

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In the Ukrainian metropolis of Melitopol, attendees of a Baptist church have been met with Russian troopers in full fight gear who interrupted their worship service. 

Those in attendance have been fingerprinted and their pastor was arrested, stated Moore. 

destroyed church in Ukraine

Two males clear rubble after a Baptist church was destroyed by shelling in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine. Information management in Ukraine implies that these tales are onerous to share, stated Moore.  (Madeleine Kelly/SOPA Images/LightRocket by way of Getty Images)

“Christians in occupied Ukraine will celebrate Easter underground, curtains tightly drawn, wary of Russian troops knocking at the door,” he stated. 

“Easter will not mark the end of their sacrifice for upholding their faith.” 

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Moore praised these and different Ukrainian Christians for residing out their religion with “high morale and bravery” even beneath the menace of persecution. 

UKRAINE ORIKHIV

Russian troops destroyed the Evangelical Christian Baptist prayer home in Orikhiv, Ukraine in June 2023.  (Andriy Andriyenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket by way of Getty Images)

“Beyond a territorial, resource and freedom struggle, Ukrainians are fighting for their faith and the right for religious freedom,” he stated.

He famous that “a youth pastor from Melitopol Christian Church said that every non-Russian Orthodox church was systematically shut down by the Russian military and at least 26 Christian leaders have been killed by the Russians in occupied Ukraine.” 

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These tales, stated Moore, aren’t getting out of Ukraine, as “information is tightly controlled.” 

“Giving of one’s service is another way we offer praise during Lent.”

“Giving of one’s service is another way we offer praise during Lent,” stated Moore. 

He continued, “I encourage every Christian reading this to give service to Ukraine’s forgotten Christians by bringing awareness to what our fellow brothers and sisters are experiencing every day.” 

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These tales, stated Moore, are merely the ones that we all know.

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“Please join me in prayer for the many we do not,” he stated. 

For extra Lifestyle articles, go to www.foxnews.com/life-style.

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