Ukrainian in Romania

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 the control of the Soviets such as Romania.

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 Europe and other parts of the world.

One destination of Ukrainian refugees has been Romania. Some fled from Russia’s efforts to exploit them as serfs in the 1830s. As Soviet power began to crumble in 1989, other Ukrainians came to Romania as students, migrant workers or businessmen.

There are a large number of Ukrainian refugees from Ukraine’s war with Russia that began in 2022.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Those whose ancestors fled to Romania are assimilated. They speak Romanian and are living much like the Romanian majority. Some have made their mark in Romania through the arts and theater.

Others are recent refugees. Some will start a new life in Romania, while others will want to return to Ukraine when the war is over. Meanwhile, they will be learning a new language, trying to find housing and dealing with the trauma of war.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Wherever Ukrainians reside, they are Christians, typically Orthodox or Evangelical. Ukraine is recognized as the Bible Belt of Eastern Europe. They are well-positioned to be salt and light to those 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