Connect with us

Published

on

As Ukraine approached its two-year anniversary of war with Russia, Andrew Moroz, a Ukrainian-born American pastor from Lynchburg, Virginia gave ChristianHeadlines a firsthand account of his travels to Ukraine. Moroz has made repeated visits to Ukraine to deliver aid, and to serve. In April, he’s taking mental health professionals with him to offer additional support. Though many military experts thought the government of Ukraine would collapse quickly after the war began, two years later the country is still standing, although tattered and bruised.

CH: When you look at the two-year anniversary of the invasion, what comes to mind?

Moroz: Two years of courage and resilience. In reality, the war in Ukraine dates back to 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbass. Unimaginable stress, sweat, blood, and tears. Ukrainians are courageous to resist the unjust invasion of their country and very resilient. I also see a lot of courage and integrity in the Church (of Ukraine). It’s easy to facilitate worship services and practice religious expression when things are peaceful. Even in the midst of war, Ukrainian Christians are actively worshipping God and meeting the needs of others in Jesus name.CH:  What was life like in Ukraine before the war?

Moroz: Every time that I have visited Ukraine in the last 25 years, Ukraine has been changing in positive ways. Its independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s created opportunities for faith to flourish and for the economy to develop. It was very difficult in the 1990’s and the early 2000’s for Ukraine to develop because corruption was still prevalent and Russian influence was overbearing. Through a series of revolutions, Ukrainians rejected Russian-based political leaders and chose instead to align with the West. In 2019, when I brought my American children over to Ukraine for the first time, Ukraine was thriving. There were still plenty of challenges, but the future was bright.

CH: Can you tell our readers a little bit about your background?

Moroz: I was born, and spent my childhood, in Ukraine. I’m a first-generation immigrant to the United States. Almost all of my extended family still lives in Ukraine. For the last 15 years I have been pastoring Gospel Community Church in Lynchburg Virginia. My work in Ukraine led me to start The Renewal Initiative, a non-profit that exists to restore dignity and hope where it’s been stolen or lost.

CH: Can you give our readers a sense of what life is like in Ukraine today?

Moroz: Right now, the future of Ukraine is in jeopardy. But not just Ukraine. Think about the implications of what is happening in Ukraine on other free and democratic nations. If the sovereignty of independent nations like Ukraine can be disrupted, freedom everywhere is threatened. Ukrainians are doing everything they can to live life “as usual,” except there is a notable absence of 2545-year-old men in society (they are defending Ukraine), there are daily air raid sirens, nightly rocket and drone attacks. Life is much more challenging, but people are doing their best to keep going. Businesses and churches are open. The needs of those who are displaced as a result of the war are great – but there are good people who are serving those in need.

CH: Many Americans are asking how they can help.

Moroz: I will never get tired of asking my Christian friends to pray for Ukraine and to contribute however they can. Prayer is the greatest asset of every Christian, more powerful than any weapon made by human hands. In addition to prayer, we can advocate on behalf of Ukrainians and people who are suffering. This is one of the reasons I launched The Renewal Initiative: to amplify the voices of people in need. We can do this by sharing the needs of others with our friends and neighbors, but we can also do this by challenging our elected officials to not withhold aid to Ukraine. It’s been discouraging to see aid to Ukraine being held up by the House of Representatives. Ukraine has become a political pawn. Finally, Americans can donate financially to help Ukrainians in need. There are vibrant non-profit organizations doing good work in Ukraine. In 2022 there was an overwhelming global response, but a lot of that funding has been used up. From larger NGOs like World Vision to smaller operations like The Renewal Initiative, Americans can donate funds.

CH: Why should American Christians be concerned with the war in Ukraine?

Moroz: I wrote about this explicitly in a recent CT article. The Bible invites Christians to remember and help address the plight of those who are suffering, especially the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Ukrainian Christians are a beautiful reflection of Christ during an unbearably challenging season. We cannot abandon them, and we cannot forget them. On a pragmatic note, if we fail to help Ukraine now, I believe there will be a greater cost later.

CH: How can we pray for the people of Ukraine?

Moroz: Pray for peace and a definitive end to the conflict. Pray for the Kingdom of God to be evident in Ukraine, as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10). Pray for the Lord to be close to the brokenhearted and to save those who are crushed (Ps. 34:18). Pray for Ukraine to receive the aid that it needs in this critical moment.

CH:  What will happen if Congress doesn’t pass financial aid for Ukraine?

Moroz: I have no doubt that whenever this war ends, there will still be a nation called Ukraine, but if Congress doesn’t pass the current aid bill we don’t know what Ukraine will look like. We do know that countless people will die. They are dying now, but thousands more Ukrainians will lose their lives. I am pro-life and pro-peace, I don’t want this war prolonged, and neither do Ukrainians. I believe giving Ukraine the aid they need can help them stop the Russian invasion and restore peace in their land.

Image credit: Getty Images/Jakub Laichter

Continue Reading

Politics

The ‘£7bn’ government secret

Published

on

By

The '£7bn' government secret

👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈

Who knew what about the Afghan data leak? And could anyone in parliament have done more to help scrutinise the government at the time of the superinjunction? Harriet thinks so.

So in this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet talk about the massive breach, the secret court hearings, and the constitutional chaos it’s unleashed.

Plus – the fallout from the latest Labour rebellion. Four MPs have lost the whip – officially for repeated defiance, but unofficially? A government source called it “persistent knobheadery”.

So is Keir Starmer tightening his grip or losing control? And how does this compare to rebellions of Labour past?

Oh and singer Chesney Hawkes gets an unexpected mention.

Responding to claims in the podcast about whether Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle could have scrutinised the government, a Commons spokesperson said: “As has been made clear, Mr Speaker was himself under a superinjunction, and so would have been under severe legal restrictions regarding speaking about this. He would have had no awareness which organisations or individuals were and were not already aware of this matter.

More on Afghanistan

“The injunction could not constrain proceedings in parliament and between being served with the injunction in September 2023 and the 2024 General Election Mr Speaker granted four UQs on matters relating to Afghan refugees and resettlement schemes.

“Furthermore, as set out in the Justice and Security Act 2013, the Speaker has no powers to refer matters to the Intelligence and Security Committee.”

Continue Reading

World

England through to semi-finals of Women’s Euros after beating Sweden on penalties

Published

on

By

England through to semi-finals of Women's Euros after beating Sweden on penalties

England have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros after knocking out Sweden.

The Lionesses won 3-2 on penalties at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland, after clawing their way back to take the game into extra-time.

The defending champions had been 2-0 down at half-time after goals from Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius in the quarter-final clash.

England then levelled matters towards the end of normal time. Lucy Bronze delivered the first England goal on 79 minutes, assisted by substitute Chloe Kelly. Two minutes later, Michelle Agyemang followed suit, taking the score to 2-2.

England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton (R) celebrates with teammates after the side beat Sweden. Pic: AP
Image:
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton (R) celebrates with teammates after the side beat Sweden. Pic: AP

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Bronze’s penalty kept England’s hopes alive. Pic: Reuters

After a goalless extra-time, it was time for penalties.

Alessia Russo kicked things off, finding the back of the net for England, before Lauren James, Alex Greenwood, Beth Mead and Grace Clinton had their attempts saved by Sweden’s Jennifer Falk.

The game was sent into sudden death after Falk went face-to-face with England’s Hannah Hampton but sent the ball flying over the crossbar.

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Sweden
Image:
A devastated Sweden. Pic: Reuters

It all came down to Sweden’s seventh penalty after Bronze sensationally scored, with 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg missing the chance to send her team through.

England will next face Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva on Tuesday.

‘That was crazy’

England boss Sarina Wiegman described the action as “one of the hardest games I’ve ever watched”.

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Sarina Wiegman after the match. Pic: Reuters

“We could have been out of the game three or four times, when you’re 2-0 at half-time it’s not good,” she said after the match.

“Although we started really bad, at the end it got better, but we didn’t create anything so we had to change shape, and we score two goals – that was crazy.

“We miss a lot [of penalties], and they miss even more. I need to decompress, I think.”

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Hannah Hampton still delivered with one nostril down. Pic: Reuters

Goalkeeper Hampton added that it was “stressful watching” and “stressful playing”.

The 24-year-old, who was left with a bloodied nose in extra-time, said: “Every time I saved one, I was just thinking ‘please put it in, so we have a bit of a cushion!’

“To be honest, I think I was better in the game when I had one nostril than when I was completely fine!”

She said it was the support of the England fans that helped the team push on. She said: “They were definitely behind me and I appreciate all the support.”

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Michelle Agyemang reacts after levelling the game for the Lionesses. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Sweden
Image:
Pic: Reuters

Pressure was on the Lionesses after they won the tournament in 2022.

Their journey in the group stages started with a 2-1 defeat to France, but hopes were lifted after England sailed past the Netherlands and Wales to reach the knockout stages, finishing second in Group D.

Read more from Sky News:
Child dies after coach crashes in Somerset
Sixteen and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in next general election

Sweden on the other hand went into Thursday’s game unbeaten in the tournament so far, having already defeated Germany, Poland and Denmark in the group stages.

Continue Reading

World

Lionesses went from sloppy to celebratory in nerve-shredding euros quarter-final

Published

on

By

Lionesses went from sloppy to celebratory in nerve-shredding euros quarter-final

By the time Hannah Hampton appeared in the news conference, the England goalkeeper was relieved, ecstatic and wanting to share this night far and wide.

So when her phone started ringing with a FaceTime call, she broke off speaking to the media about reaching the Euros semi-finals to answer it.

And then share the call with the room in Zurich.

After such a nerve-shredding night, this was the moment to relax and just savour it all.

Savour how close they came to throwing it all away against Sweden before staging a stirring comeback inspired by Lucy Bronze.

The 33-year-old scored the goal that began the fightback with 11 minutes to go and converted England’s final penalty in the shootout.

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Lucy Bronze converted England’s final penalty. Pic: Reuters

“Lucy Bronze is one of a kind,” England manager Sarina Wiegman said. “It’s that resilience, that fight. I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.”

The Lionesses looked down and out, 2-0 down after 25 minutes.

Completely outplayed. A defence run ragged. Just too sloppy.

“We said at half-time we don’t want to go home,” Hampton said. “So it’s up to us to turn the game around.”

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Things were not looking good for England by half-time. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
But the team managed to turn things around. Pic: Reuters

That only came after Wiegman deployed the substitutes the manager calls “finishers”.

They fulfilled their mission.

“Sweden in that moment had to adapt to some different things in the game,” Wiegman said, “before they could, it was 2-2.”

Within seconds of coming on, match-winner Chloe Kelly showed the missing spirit. The spirit that saw her score the Euro 2022 winner.

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Sweden
Image:
Pic: Reuters

A creator of two goals in 103 seconds.

A cross headed in with 11 minutes to go by Bronze – the only player still playing from the Euro 2013 group-stage elimination.

It was a lifeline seized on so quickly.

Another cross from Kelly was this time brought down by Beth Mead before Michelle Agyemang.

The timeliest of goals from the teen – a first tournament goal on her third appearance as a sub.

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan
Image:
Teenager Michelle Agyemang reacts after scoring England’s second goal in normal time. Pic: Reuters

But there would be the anxiousness of extra time to follow, unable to find a breakthrough.

So to the shootout that lasted 14 penalties between them.

Hampton said: “It was stressful watching and playing, I thought every single time when I saved one, ‘Please score and give us a cushion’. I feel so happy and relieved.”

Around Alessia Russo and Kelly scoring there were four England misses before Bronze converted England’s seventh and Sweden missed a fifth.

Read more:
How far has women’s football come since 1972?
Lioness star explains what ‘Proper England’ is

A frenzied 3-2 shootout win was complete.

“I can’t remember anything like this,” said Wiegman, who has only reached finals in her four tournaments with the Netherlands and England.

“I thought three times we were out,” she said.

But instead it’s off to Geneva for the European champions for a semi-final with Italy.

They’ll be hoping it’s less of a struggle, less dramatic – while just glad to have made it there.

Continue Reading

Trending