Protestantism in Ukraine

Protestantism appeared in Ukraine in the 1530s and ‘40s. It was preceded by various pre-R eformation movements which were considered “heretical,” like the Bogomils and Hussites.

The first Protestant community (Anabaptists) appeared in Volodymyr-Volynsk in 1536. In the 15 40s, primarily among the nobility, Lutherans, then Calvinists and anti-trinitarians began their activity. In the first half of the 17 th c entury , the activity of the Socinians began. In the 17 th c entury , Protestantism spread from Volyn, Pidliashshia, the Kholm region and western Ukrainian Halychyna to Podillia, the Kyiv region, and southwestern Ukrainian Transcarpathia.

Protestant communities started extensive publishing and educational activities. They published the books of the holy Scripture in national languages, and collections of sermons and exhortations. New Protestant groups , Mennonites , Baptists , and Methodists, appeared also at that time.

In the 19 th century, Protestantism reached primarily the lower strata of society and had a pietistic and social - utopian character. The 20 th century brought with it late Protestant trends. Volyn became the main center of the spread of Protestantism.

During Soviet times, most Protestant denominations were persecuted and so could not develop actively. When Ukraine gained independence in 1991, they received equal rights to development in comparison with other confessions.

The following Protestant groups are represented in Ukraine today:

• Baptists
• Lutherans
• Pentecostals
• Seventh-day Adventists
• Sub-Carpathian Reformed