Church of God Celebrates 20 Years in Russia and Ukraine
The Church of God recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in the two most prominent countries from the former Soviet Union: Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, there are positive reports from Church of God ministries throughout Eastern Europe and the CIS.
Recently, the Russian Church of God convened its national convention in Orel. The keynote speaker was General Overseer Mark L. Williams. Other guest speakers included the European field director, Dr. Larry Hess, Eastern European regional superintendent, Dr. Thomas Rosson, and host pastor, Bishop Pavel Abashin. Despite illness, National Bishop Vladimir Shestopalov briefly addressed the convention on opening night. There were additional seminars and reports by numerous Russian leaders.
The Russian church has 87 organized churches and many pioneer works. Much has been done, but leaders in the Church of God believe it is the beginning of what was prayed for and expected. One of the major challenges facing congregations is the increasing discrimination against renting public halls for worship services.
The Ukrainian Church of God celebrated its 20th anniversary in the southern city of Nova Kakhovka. The keynote speaker was the former president of the Eurasian Theological Seminary in Moscow, Dr. Rodolfo Giron. Other speakers included an opening address from National Bishop Alexei Demidovich and a closing address from Regional Superintendent Dr. Tom Rosson.
With the conference’s motto, “A Time to Mature,” Bishop Demidovich expressed his desire that the Ukrainian church begin to see itself not primarily as a recipient of world missions, but as a missionary-sending force into all of the world. An additional highlight of the conference was the installation service of a new regional bishop, Oleg Skripskiy.
With its 93 congregations, the Ukrainian Church of God has an extensive social ministry with numerous orphanages, children day activity centers, drug rehabilitation centers, and prison ministries.
Meanwhile, the Churches of God in Bulgaria held their annual assembly in Stara Zagora under the leadership of Bishop Dinko Zlatarov. In addition to hearing reports from the various regions, there was a moving report from Bulgarian missionaries to Turkey and the impact of humanitarian aid/social ministries in Bulgaria. Pastor Sasho and his team led the worship service from the Sliven congregation, followed by a message from the regional superintendent. Currently, the Church of God has 68 congregations in this Balkan country.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
