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🇺🇦 As war drags on, Ukrainian-born Christian keeps serving refugees in Alaska 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The war in Ukraine was just a few months old when I first met Zori Opanasevych in April 2022. I connected with the mother of … Continue reading 🇺🇦 As war drags on, Ukrainian-born Christian keeps serving refugees in Alaska 🔌

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Bobby Ross Jr. honored as 2025 Diamond Journalist of the Year

The regional award celebrates outstanding journalism in Arkansas and six neighboring states. By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to win the 2025 Diamond Journalist of the Year award from the Arkansas professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The regional Diamond Journalism Awards celebrate outstanding journalism in Arkansas and six neighboring states, including Oklahoma, where The Christian Chronicle is based. Winners were announced … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored as 2025 Diamond Journalist of the Year

Ukrainian refugees prepare a special Thanksgiving feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians

A Houston church’s thriving outreach to families fleeing the war inspires a heartfelt holiday gesture. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON —A year ago, Memorial Church of Christ volunteers served Ukrainian refugee families a traditional Thanksgiving meal from Pappas Bar-B-Q, a popular Houston restaurant chain. But this November, the newcomers to Texas — still adapting and learning a new language after fleeing Russia’s 1,000-day war on their homeland … Continue reading Ukrainian refugees prepare a special Thanksgiving feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians

For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing

Caring hearts welcome Ukrainian family to America with food, furniture and friendship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle It’s a Christmas miracle. In an incredible set of circumstances, God made a wonderful thing happen for a Ukrainian refugee family this busy holiday week. “This is how God works, whether we realize it or not,” said my good friend David Duncan, minister for the Memorial Church of … Continue reading For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing

How a Russian immigrant came to serve Ukrainian refugees

A Houston church develops a thriving outreach to families fleeing the war. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON — On a blue-sky afternoon in this diverse Texas metropolis, about 50 Ukrainian refugees enjoy pizza, cupcakes and fellowship at the Memorial Church of Christ. All of the families seem to know Julia, a friendly woman with an engaging smile, a long blond braid that trails over her shoulder and a … Continue reading How a Russian immigrant came to serve Ukrainian refugees

In rural Oklahoma, a Ukrainian priest prays for his mother — and his homeland

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged JONES, Okla. — At a little country church 20 miles east of Oklahoma City, Ukrainian and U.S. flags fly outside. Inside, the Rev. Stepan Bilogan preaches and prays in his native language as a choir member translates his Ukrainian words into English. Immigrants founded St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church — the only Ukrainian Orthodox congregation for hundreds of miles — more … Continue reading In rural Oklahoma, a Ukrainian priest prays for his mother — and his homeland