Ukrainian Community Support and Cooperation Discussed at Tallinn Bible Church
A representative of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia, Volodymyr Palamar, visited Tallinn Bible Church to meet with its leadership and discuss support for Ukrainian families, youth programmes, integration and opportunities for further cooperation between religious and community organisations.
Tallinn Bible Church was established in 2022 by Ukrainians who sought refuge in Estonia following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the church has become a centre of spiritual and social support for the Ukrainian community, providing a place for worship, family assistance, youth activities and community engagement.
During his visit, Palamar met with church deacons Stepan Voznyi and Volodymyr Halas, youth ministry leader Leonid Saikovskyi and Sunday school coordinator Andriy Yatsenko.
The discussions focused on the church’s work with Ukrainian refugees, particularly families affected by displacement, separation and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a new country. Participants also addressed the situation of Ukrainian religious communities in Russian-occupied territories, including reports of persecution of pastors and pressure on churches.
A key topic was the role of religious and civil society organisations in supporting Ukrainians living abroad. Participants discussed closer cooperation on youth initiatives, assistance to families, integration into Estonian society and the protection of Ukrainians’ rights.
The visit also provided an opportunity to recognise the volunteer work of Andriy Yatsenko, who was among the first to join the Ukraine Assistance Headquarters established by the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia in 2022. His contributions included delivering vehicles to Ukraine, working at the headquarters’ call centre and participating in humanitarian and community initiatives.
Palamar thanked Yatsenko for his commitment and acknowledged the contribution of volunteers who helped Ukrainians during the first months of the full-scale invasion.
The meeting concluded with discussions on potential areas of cooperation between Tallinn Bible Church and Ukrainian community organisations across Estonia. Particular attention was given to programmes for children and young people, support for displaced families and the development of stronger connections between community institutions.
As a symbolic gesture, Palamar presented church representatives with a military chaplain’s prayer book and Ukrainian grain commemorating the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, accompanied by the message:
“May the seeds of independence grow into a harvest of peace.”
Palamar expressed his appreciation to the church leadership for its continued service to the Ukrainian community and thanked Estonia and its people for providing refuge and opportunities for Ukrainians to preserve their faith, culture and community life.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing contribution of Ukrainian religious and civil society organisations to supporting displaced Ukrainians and strengthening community ties in Estonia.
Source: Volodymyr Palamar, Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia. Based on his published account of the visit to Tallinn Bible Church.