Today, February 24, 2026, marks the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine. What has brought trauma, displacement, grief, and ongoing hardship has also opened doors for local churches to share the hope and comfort of Christ with their neighbors. In the midst of crisis, congregations across Ukraine have become places of refuge, prayer, and practical care strengthened by the generosity of the global Church.

In this post, written by Rev. Zee Gimon, a Nazarene pastor in Ukraine, you will hear about the impact of that generosity. The photos feature members of churches in Ukraine and individuals who have been served through the compassionate ministries of those congregations.

Pray with us today, and every day, for peace in Ukraine.

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When the power goes out in Ukraine, it doesn’t happen all at once.

Lights flicker. Heating stops. Phones dim to their last few percentages. The cold settles in quietly, and people begin looking for a place that is still warm, still open, still present.

Many of them find that place in a church.

Near a railway station, travelers who don’t know where to go are told simply: “Go to the church. They will help you there.”

Pastor Anatoly serves in a Nazarene church located right next to the station.

“When people come to us, we feed them, give them warm clothes, and help them charge their phones if they need it,” he shared. “Those who need help are sent straight from the station to the church.”

Inside, a generator hums softly. Extension cords line the walls. Phones come back to life. Someone pours hot tea. Someone else sits quietly, warming their hands.

In Odesa, the Nazarene church doors stay open even when the city is cold and dark.

“All the members of our church know they can come to the church building to warm up, pray, and spend time there,” said Pastor Nabil. “We also serve food on the streets, and our House of Mercy is open. There may be no electricity—but it’s warm.”

In Kozyatyn, the Nazarene church has been officially recognized as a “Point of Invincibility”, an emergency shelter open to the public that provides heat, water, power, and other services to residents.

“From the beginning of the war, our church has been registered with the city council,” Pastor Iryna explained. “We stay in contact and respond whenever there is a need.”

And in Kyiv, someone is on duty right now.

“I am actually at the church right now providing this kind of help,” said Pastor Sergey Akulenko. “People can come to charge their devices, cook food if needed, and even take a shower.”

These churches don’t look extraordinary.

They look like extension cords.
Hot drinks.
Open doors.
Someone staying late, just in case.

Due to the generosity of Nazarenes around the world, churches in Ukraine have become places where light stays on, warmth remains available, and dignity is preserved in the middle of uncertainty.

For four years, this support has helped transform church buildings into living sanctuaries, places of safety, connection, and hope.

Thank you for making it possible for the church to stay present when people need it most.

With deep gratitude,
The Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine

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Read more about four years of ministry during war in Ukraine here.