Kyiv Church Finds New Life Amidst Conflict and Forges Partnership with UK Congregation

KYIV, UKRAINE – What began as a thriving congregation in Kyiv took a dramatic turn in 2022. For Viktor Polunin, a pastor of a church in Kyiv, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine meant facing a stark reality: his church of many years had, in his words, "disappeared." The congregation, which once numbered in the hundreds, was reduced to a committed handful of five or six people.

Instead of closing its doors, this small group made a bold decision. "We felt very strongly that we should do something," Viktor said. The remaining members chose to stay in Kyiv and serve their community, turning the crisis into an opportunity to share the gospel. They began by offering practical help, distributing food and clothing from their own homes. As they received more resources, they expanded their efforts to support refugees and others who remained in the city.

This outreach opened doors for the gospel. The church began inviting people who received their help to attend Alpha courses, which ultimately led them to join the church. From a core group of five, the congregation has since grown to about 40 people.

In 2023, the churches story, reached a congregation in the UK. Jon Cook, an elder at Kings Church Eden in Penrith, was introduced to Viktor through a mutual friend and this connection sparked a partnership that has since become a vital lifeline for the church in Kyiv.

"We needed emotional, spiritual, and material support from outside because we were not able to stand on our own," Viktor explained. He described the partnership with Kings Church Eden as a tremendous blessing. Cook's visit to Kyiv was a particularly powerful moment, demonstrating a willingness to take a risk to show Christ's love to the church in Ukraine.

This partnership has become a two-way street and has brought "tremendous value" to their local church in Penrith. It’s challenged them with the "courage, faith and witness" demonstrated by the church in Kyiv. Jon believes that the experience has opened their hearts and provided a powerful example of perseverance under immense pressure.

Looking to the future both leaders are hopeful, as the war continues, to maintain their support and friendship across borders. Beyond the conflict they envision a future where they can serve God’s kingdom together, collaborating on missions and mutually enriching one another through their unique experiences and gifts.

To find out more about this partnership please visit: christcentralchurches.org/ukraine

Ukraine Reception at Devoted
To find out more why not join us at the Ukraine Reception at Devoted 2025 on Saturday afternoon at 15:30hrs - you'll find us in the Boden Room, which you'll find in the Admin Building.