Ukrainian in Canada

Introduction / History

Ukrainians first emerged as a people in the 800s during the medieval state of Kyivan Rus. That was a time when local Slavic tribes were merging with Viking settlers. It became one of the most powerful states during that time in European history. Through the centuries, they became vassals of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Ruthenia and Samogitia.

A rebellion by the powerful Cossacks in the 1600s was a turning point for the Ukrainians. They created the Cossack Hetmanate, which was located in central and eastern Ukraine. The Cossack Hetmanate was allied with Russia’s Tsar. It was abolished in the 1700s by Russian Empress Catherine the Great. The Russian Empire was able to incorporate huge parts of Ukrainian territories.

Ukrainians hoped for full independence in the early 20th century, but that hope was squashed by the emerging Soviet Union led by Bolshevik forces. The Russian-dominated Soviet Union included Ukraine, along with many other neighboring states. Some were Slavic, and others were Turkic Muslims. Ethnic Ukrainians are represented in all these now-independent countries.

All Soviet states were forced to endure Russification. Russian Soviet leaders engineered a famine that cost 4-5 million Ukrainian lives. Many Ukrainians fled to other countries during this time. Many of these were within Soviet control.

When the USSR dissolved in 1991, Ukraine and other Soviet states were given independence. Russia again tried to establish dominance of Ukraine in 2022 when they invaded that nation. Thousands fled to Western countries like Canada, where they hoped to re-establish their lives.

The first Ukrainians came to Canada in the late 1800s to farm. They worked in the agricultural sector for decades before some moved to Ontario in the 1920s. There were four waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada in the 20th century. Some came as war refugees after WWII where their homeland was mauled both by the Germans and the Russians. Others came for greater freedom when they experienced the clutches of Soviet oppression. By the early 1970s the majority of Ukrainians were working in an urban setting for the first time. There is a high proportion of ethnic Ukrainians in Canada today.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Ukrainians in Canada are well assimilated. They speak French or English and are hardly distinguishable except for their family names. They maintain aspects of Ukrainian culture; one that harkens back to those who arrived in the late 1800s.

A new wave of war refugees began to arrive after the Russian invasion in 2022. These people will need help getting settled.

Ukrainians have contributed much to Canada in many ways. They have been involved in politics, sports, the arts and academics. There are numerous Ukrainian associations in Canada.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Wherever Ukrainians live, they are Christian, usually Orthodox or Evangelical. Ukraine is known as the Bible Belt of Eastern Europe. They are well-suited to be salt and light to the people around them.

What Are Their Needs?

Diaspora Ukrainians often have family members and friends in Ukraine who have endured war with Russia. There is always uncertainty about the well-being of their loved ones. Others, recent members of the Ukrainian Diaspora, are themselves enduring the traumas of war. Many have lost their homes and their livelihood in that once-peaceful land. Russians have tried to destroy Ukrainian culture for decades. Ukrainians are trying to preserve their culture wherever they live.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to be the source of comfort for Ukrainians.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to drive Ukrainians to be salt and light to the people around them.
Pray for Ukrainian Christians to disciple others in the ways of Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project