The Ukraine District recently gathered in Lviv, Ukraine, for its first in-person District Assembly since 2020. With General Superintendent Carla Sunberg in attendance, the event was a time of worship, encouragement, and celebration of significant milestones in ministry.

One of the assembly’s highlights was the ordination service, where seven individuals received their district licenses, including four who had earned their first district license during the war and were finally able to receive it in person. 

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the church continues to grow, with new leaders stepping forward in response to God’s call. A particularly special moment came as District Superintendent Svitlana Kleshchar had the privilege of participating in the ordination of her daughter, Zee Gimon, marking a generational legacy of ministry.

Zee grew up in the church and started her theological education at European Nazarene College (EuNC) when she went to classes as a teenager with her mother and later enrolled as a student. Zee was recommended for ordination last year; she recently finished her classes. She has been involved in many different ministries and projects of the church and was blessed to be ordained by Sunberg, who has known her since she was six years old when the Sunbergs first visited Kyiv in 1992.

All six Ukrainian Nazarene churches were represented at the assembly, and the Moldovan church joined via Zoom. The gathering demonstrated the strength and unity of the district as pastors and leaders worked together to lead worship, prepare the facilities, and support one another in ministry.

Reflecting on the event, Kleshchar expressed gratitude for the unity and hope in the district, saying, “I feel real unity right now.” 

Even amid war and uncertainty, the Spirit is at work, calling and equipping new leaders to serve.

The Ukraine District continues to move forward in faith, trusting in God’s provision and guidance for the future.

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region