Ukrainian in Argentina

People Name:	Ukrainian
Country:	Argentina
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	32,000
World Population:	31,576,900
Primary Language:	Ukrainian
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	80.00 %
Evangelicals:	4.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Slav, Eastern
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Ukraine lies to the north of the Black Sea in southwest European Russia. Historic ties to Poland and a Cossack tradition contribute to the Ukrainian heritage. Often referred to as the breadbasket of the former Soviet Union, Ukraine is a primary grain-producing region. It also boasts great mineral wealth and has a productive iron and steel manufacturing economy. There are also large numbers of Ukrainians in Siberia and northern Kazakhstan. There is a growing Ukrainian diaspora in South America, and some are in Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

The first Ukrainians began to arrive in Argentina in the 1890s. Because of writings by Ukrainian agronomist and nationalist Dr Joseph Oleskiw, Ukrainians began to emigrate to Canada instead. Canada offered free land to farm at that time. Most Ukrainians in Argentina came between the two world wars. Others went soon after WWII to avoid communism, but this stopped around 1950. Today more are coming to Argentina from Paraguay.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ukraine has been the breadbasket of Eastern Europe until war broke out with Russia. Some Ukrainian in Argentina are using their agricultural skills in growing grain.

Those with a good education or business skills are able to make their living in Argentina’s urban centers, especially Buenos Aires. Many Ukrainians have stopped speaking Ukrainian in favor of Spanish, Argentina’s trade language. Yet they keep enjoying traditional Ukrainians breads and soups like borsh. There are a small number of Ukrainian Catholic churches that have Ukrainian elementary schools. They learn some things about Ukrainian ways, but always in Spanish.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Ukrainians in Argentina are now Roman Catholics, although some retain Orthodox Christianity. They can be used by God to be part of a mission movement.

What Are Their Needs?

In the 2020s, Ukrainians are facing the stress of war with a major world power. They might live in faraway Argentina, but most have family and friends who are facing danger.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among Ukrainians in Argentina, thrusting them out as his ambassadors to the nations.
Pray that they base their lives on relationship with Christ and become passionate evangelists.
Pray for spiritual and emotional healing over Ukraine’s war with Russia. May Ukrainians allow Christ to heal their hearts and minds!