The People

Ukrainian —Ukraine, Percent Christian: 79%, Percentage Evangelical: 3.8%, Evangelical Growth Rate: 3.1%

Ukrainians are by far the largest group in Ukraine, but there are 78 other people groups who live in the country as well, including about 7 million Russians. According to legend, the Apostle Andrew brought the gospel to Scythia, an area that includes present day Ukraine. A Scythian bishop attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. Vladimir the Great made Kyivan Rus a Christian state in 988 AD. The deep Christian roots of Ukraine are evident in its coat of arms, a gold trident on a blue shield. It resembles a descending dove and represents the Holy Trinity.

The Painting

Oil on panel, 18 x 24 inches

This panel was painted from life at the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.