Ukrainian Pastor's 3 AM Prayer Under Russian Missile Fire in Kyiv Goes Viral
Ukrainian American pastor Andrew Moroz describes praying Psalm 23 as Russian missiles shook his Kyiv apartment building
Ukrainian Pastor Describes Praying Through 3 AM Russian Missile Strike on Kyiv as Walls Shudder
Ukrainian American pastor Andrew Moroz, founder of The Renewal Initiative, published a first person account on April 7 describing what it was like to live through a Russian missile strike on Kyiv at three o'clock in the morning. Moroz wrote that he was jolted awake in his apartment by a series of loud explosions that rattled his windows and shook the walls of the building.
His phone immediately issued an air alert ordering residents to seek shelter. Instead of moving, Moroz remained in place as physical symptoms of fear took over his body.
My palms are wet. My heart pounds through my ribs. My breathing shortens. Andrew Moroz, founder of The Renewal Initiative
Moroz said he reached for his phone around 3:30 a.m. and opened the Bible app to Psalm 23, finding comfort in the verse, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." The pastor framed the moment as both a personal spiritual battle and a window into what millions of Ukrainians endure on a regular basis.
The account was published as Russia escalated its aerial war on Ukraine. On April 3, Russia launched 579 airborne weapons at Ukrainian cities, including 10 Iskander M ballistic missiles, 25 Kh 101 cruise missiles, and more than 540 Shahed type drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Drones struck residential high rises in Obukhiv and other Kyiv satellite towns, killing civilians and damaging homes. President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the strikes as an "Easter escalation" timed to undermine ceasefire negotiations.
Kyiv Pastor's Midnight Prayer Goes Viral as Russian Drone Barrage Devastates Ukraine
Moroz closed his essay with a direct appeal to readers around the world, urging them not to allow Ukraine's suffering to fade into background noise. He pleaded for Christians especially to keep the war on their hearts and to translate prayer into visible action.
Speak about what is happening. Refuse to let it be forgotten. Stand with those who have no choice but to endure it. Andrew Moroz
Moroz emphasized that prayer is essential but insufficient on its own. He challenged believers to combine intercession with advocacy, generosity, and tangible support for the Ukrainian people who continue to live, work, and worship under nightly bombardment.
The Crusader's Opinion
While American Christians scroll past another headline about Ukraine, a fellow believer is sitting on his bedroom floor in Kyiv reciting Psalm 23 as Russian drones tear apart his neighbors' apartments. We have grown numb to this evil. That is exactly what the enemy wants. The Body of Christ does not have the luxury of compassion fatigue. When the walls shudder over our brother in Kyiv, the walls shudder over us. Pray. Give. Speak. Refuse silence.
Take Action
- Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support persecuted and war affected Christians worldwide: www.TheShepherdsShield.org
- Support Ukrainian believers through Voice of the Martyrs Ukraine relief: www.persecution.com
- Give to Samaritan's Purse Ukraine emergency response: www.samaritanspurse.org
- Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives to urge continued humanitarian aid for Ukraine: congress.gov/members/find-your-member
- Pray daily for the people of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, and for Pastor Andrew Moroz and The Renewal Initiative
- Share Pastor Moroz's testimony in your church bulletin or small group this Sunday
