Supporting the Church in Ukraine: A Mission Partnership Rooted in Christ

“For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” —1 Corinthians 3:9

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) maintains an active mission partnership with the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to support the faithful proclamation of the Gospel, the formation of pastors, and the ongoing pastoral care of Christ’s people. Though we are not in altar and pulpit fellowship, LCC’s relationship with SELCU is built on a shared commitment to confessional Lutheran theology and a mutual desire to strengthen the Church’s witness of Jesus Christ through His Word and Sacrament.

A Partnership in Mission and Theological Support

Since the establishment of SELCU, LCC has walked alongside its pastors and congregations in the work of building up a confessional Lutheran presence in Ukraine. This partnership focuses especially on areas of theological education, pastoral mentorship, and Gospel outreach. LCC has provided assistance through the translation of faithful Lutheran materials, the support of seminary instruction, and the encouragement of mission efforts in underserved regions.

Through this collaboration, the Church is strengthened with resources to teach and confess the faith clearly, to train future pastors with sound doctrine, and to reach new communities with the saving message of Christ crucified and risen.

Word and Mercy for the Whole Church

Ministry support in Ukraine includes both public proclamation and pastoral care. SELCU pastors serve congregations in a variety of settings—urban and rural, established and emerging—carrying out the ministry of preaching, catechesis, visitation, and the administration of the means of grace. In addition, many of these congregations are involved in works of mercy that reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways, offering assistance and encouragement to their neighbours and communities.

LCC’s support helps enable this ongoing work by providing material resources and encouragement for pastors and congregations committed to the Lutheran Confessions. Through mission visits, project support, and theological collaboration, LCC works alongside SELCU to uphold the ministry of the Gospel in both word and deed.

A Vision for Faithful Ministry

LCC’s mission work in Ukraine reflects a broader vision of global partnership: to support confessional Lutheran churches as they grow in maturity, deepen their theological foundation, and serve their people with clarity and compassion. In Ukraine, this means investing in the theological formation of pastors and the development of Lutheran identity rooted in the means of grace.

LCC’s missionary pastor to Ukraine, Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy, continues to serve as a key point of connection—providing local pastoral care, theological instruction, and support for emerging mission opportunities.

United in Christ’s Service

LCC is grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our Ukrainian partners as they carry out the ministry of Word and Sacrament in their communities. This mission partnership is an expression of Christian unity in service, mutual encouragement, and shared theological conviction.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” —2 Corinthians 13:14

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Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy: LCC’s Missionary Pastor in Ukraine

Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy serves as a missionary of Lutheran Church–Canada in Ukraine, called to proclaim Christ and administer His gifts through the preaching of the Word and the right administration of the Sacraments.

In partnership with the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine, Rev. Navrotskyy carries out his vocation as both pastor and missionary—strengthening the faithful and bringing the Gospel to new communities.

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Freedom in Christ: Lutheran Prison Ministry in Ukraine

The Word of God knows no bounds. Behind concrete walls and locked gates, grace is still at work. In Ukraine, pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU), including Bishop Alexander Urchenko, are faithfully bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of prison cells.

Through Lutheran Church–Canada’s mission partnership and support, this ministry of presence and proclamation continues to flourish—particularly in the prison near Nikolaev. There, SELCU pastors regularly visit inmates to offer what the world cannot give: forgiveness, hope, and new life through Jesus Christ.

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Serving Christ in Word and Mercy: LCC’s Support for Ministry in Ukraine

In faithful partnership with the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine, Lutheran Church–Canada continues to support Gospel ministry and works of mercy in communities deeply affected by war, displacement, and hardship. Despite ongoing challenges, the light of Christ shines in villages and towns where God’s Word is proclaimed, the sacraments are administered, and the love of Christ is made visible in acts of compassion.

Two areas of active mission and ministry support are the village of Zoria and the Bashtanka region.

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