Standing Firm in Faith: Pastor Mykhailo Brytsyn’s Story
As featured in: George W Bush Presidential Center website
In a powerful feature from the George W. Bush Institute, Reverend Mykhailo Brytsyn's harrowing experience under Russian occupation in Melitopol, Ukraine, is brought to light. On September 11, 2022, armed Russian soldiers interrupted a church service at Church of Grace and threatened Brytsyn with execution if he didn’t leave the city within two days. His crime? Preaching the Gospel.
Before & After
Left: The Church of Grace in Melitopol, Ukraine in 2022. (Photo credit: Church of Grace)
Right: present day, converted into a Russian “Ministry of Culture.”
Labeled an “extremist” and “American spy” by Russian authorities, Brytsyn’s story reflects a broader campaign of religious persecution sweeping through occupied Ukraine—targeting evangelical communities that Moscow sees as ideologically threatening. Despite the danger, Brytsyn remained a steadfast voice for truth, leading humanitarian efforts and even organizing public prayer gatherings until he was forced into exile.
His story, alongside many others, is featured in A Faith Under Siege, our documentary exposing the systematic repression of Ukrainian Christians. The film gives voice to those standing firm in their beliefs in the face of brutal suppression.
Today, Pastor Brytsyn continues to preach online, support humanitarian efforts, and document human rights abuses. His story is a reminder: persecution does not silence faith—it sharpens its clarity.
