(KYIV, UKRAINE – August 26, 2025) As Ukraine marked the 34th Anniversary of the restoration of its independence this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recognized global Baptist leaders for their steadfast support during the nation’s time of war. Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary Elijah M. Brown and European Baptist Federation (EBF) General Secretary Alan Donaldson were each presented with national honors in recognition of the Baptist community’s vital role in providing humanitarian aid and spiritual care to millions affected by the war. The BWA and EBF families have faithfully supported and served alongside the Baptist member union in Ukraine (All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christian-Baptists) since the war began in 2022.
On Sunday, national leaders gathered in Sophia Square in Kyiv as part of a series of Independence Day observances. During the ceremony, President Zelenskyy recognized the “contributions of Ukraine’s friends around the world.”1 BWA General Secretary Brown received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th Class, and EBF General Secretary Donaldson received the Order of Merit, 3rd Class.
“It was a humbling experience to attend the ceremony and receive this honor on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance. This recognition is a reflection of the tireless dedication and courageous service of Ukrainian Baptists on the front lines of ministry as well as the unwavering support of the entire global Baptist family,” said Brown. “To receive such an honor in the midst of war is also a poignant reminder that much remains to be done. May we all continue to work together for lasting and just peace in Ukraine and around the world.”
The Ukrainian Baptist union is the largest Protestant group in Ukraine. The network of more than 2,000 Baptist churches has been a vital source of practical and spiritual support for the millions impacted by the ongoing conflict and violence.
Working alongside Ukrainian Baptists, the global Baptist family has collectively helped more than 2 million people. This includes provision of temporary shelter, food, hygiene items, medical care, multipurpose cash assistance, psychosocial support, summer camps for children, and mobile kitchens to serve those near the front lines. Direct BWAid investment totals over $4.8 million. The BWA has also provided 10,000 Bibles, pastoral support, worked to encourage strengthened religious freedom regulations and support for the persecuted, and provided ongoing advocacy that included meetings with Presidents, Prime Ministers, and many other government leaders. BWA General Secretary Brown was the first leader of a Christian Worldwide Communion to visit Ukraine after the renewal of the full-scale war.
The Independence Day ceremonies continued Monday, August 25, with the 2nd National Prayer Breakfast hosted at the Mystetskyi Arsenal under the patronage of President Zelenskyy. Drawing more than 1,200 attendees, the event included service members, civic leaders, family members of fallen heroes, volunteers, chaplains, and faith community representatives. Brown and Donaldson were among the 350 foreign guests in attendance from 50 countries.
“Ukraine is a nation of beauty and brokenness. A nation that is fighting for many freedoms. Among its diminishing population are many people of Christian faith who are seeking understanding of their circumstances and direction for how to live, speak, and share hope. Many are grieving the loss of loved ones through displacement, abduction, or the loss of life. We meet victims of torture who testify to the destruction of places of worship, and the systemic violence experienced by believers in the occupied territories,” said Donaldson. “[The] National Prayer Breakfast was a moment in history where these stories were acknowledged, recorded, and grieved – where prayer was offered by people of all ages and a variety of nations who seek to stand in solidarity with Ukraine’s desire to live in freedom.”
To support the BWA’s continued response and partnership with Ukrainian Baptists, please visit BaptistWorld.org/standing-with-ukraine.
(1) BWA General Secretary and CEO Elijah Brown receiving the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th Class from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
(2) BWA General Secretary and CEO Elijah Brown speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast.
(3) BWA General Secretary and CEO Elijah Brown and EBF General Secretary Alan Donaldson displaying the medals presented by President Zelenskyy.