One day, Ukraine will again teem with visitors who will be fascinated by a country of beauty and history. We would like to bring friends with us to the country that has adopted us.
Every day of our trip to Ukraine in June and July 2025, was filled with new experiences and ministry. Delivering humanitarian aid, working in Kid’s Camps, praying with soldiers in hospitals, caring for kids with cancer, visiting orphans. In many ways, the work was a blessing to us.
Added to the ministry were pauses to explore the beauty and hist0ry of Ukraine.
Castle
The city of Lutsk, near the Polish border, is 940 years old and features a 600-year old castle with a five-storey tower. There are 112 steps that take you to the top. Interesting – portions of the stairs are made of varying heights and widths. Why? Come see it with us. 
The castle includes a museum featuring armaments and stories of a Jesuit religious order.
The view of the new city from the ancient portals is enthralling. 
And of course, there will be restaurants, food, and friends!
My Queen of the castle.
Cosmology
Eleon Church in Lutsk shares a facility with an art museum featuring the largest painting in the world. See an artist’s panorama on the creation and meaning of our existence. Pictures do not do it justice.
An entire warehouse is the frame for the painting. And guess who built the frame for the painting? 
Oleg – pastor and frame maker
Breathtaking
Pictures do not do justice to this moment.
We are standing on top of a lookout with the green fields of Ukraine stretching out behind us. On the horizon is Russia, about 30km away.
Bishop Vadim and Tanya Ignatenko.
You could never imagine a more peaceful place in a country torn apart by war. Such is Ukraine.
Vadim and Tanya took us to their favourite place. We know why. Have a look.
We toured through a Ukrainian cultural area with stories told through pottery.
Jocelyn is a pretty good pottery maker!
Fishy friends!
I’ve been collecting pictures of coffee cups. In Ukraine the cups are smaller but the coffee is better.
See?
Ukraine has incredible beauty and treasures. Pray for Ukraine and come explore with us.
God will have the last word.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, in control, bringing glory to himself.
Thanks for reading and viewing. What is your favourite photo? Please join the conversation and post a comment below.
And let us know when you will come with us. Slava Bogu!
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Good Morning Pastor Bob…The Ukraine is a beautiful place. Unfortunately, it is being ravaged by the Russian Army. My favorite photo is the one with the Stone Potter sculpting his pots, the “old fashioned way” surrounded by his own homemade treasures. I have my own collection of coffee mugs and other items made by local potters. I can’t buy anymore…even though I am tempted to, when I go to a craft show. How many coffee mugs & platters does one need anyways? LOL! I know other folks who have the same addiction to pottery that I do. I enjoyed all the beautiful pics from the Ukraine. Your host’s favorite place…is so beautiful. Hard to believe…not far from there…it is a war zone. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I’m sure we cannot fully understand…the tragedies that are going on in that country. I don’t think that I could stand being there…knowing all the destruction and death that is happening to all of those innocent people…caught in a war…started by an evil man. The thought sickens me…to the depths of my soul. I will never understand why leaders would do this to their own soldiers…send them out to destroy others and destroy themselves as well…with such menace and evilness…for their own purpose, greed and selfishness. There are no boundaries for leaders like this. No conscience. I pray for the folks in The Ukraine….they are strong and resilient…despite the attacks on them every day. See you safely back on Canadian soil. <3
Thank you Bob for sharing your journey.
One day I hope Laurie and I can return with you.
Thank you
Wayne
That would be awesome!
Thank you for joining the conversation, Julie. So glad we could share our experiences with you. You understand.
What an amazing journey! It would be great to have you and Joycelyn as tour guides.
All the updates have been wonderful, I can feel your emotions in each and every story.
My mother’s parents were both born in the Ukraine so I have felt a connection.
I especially love the photo of the city through the portal.
I hope that your transition back home is not taxing.
Blessings
Teresa
Looking forward to connecting with you. Maybe at Camp in August. Didn’t know that about your grandparents!