Feature Photo: The Church of Christ in Ivano-Frankivsk assembled for worship, Bible study and fellowship on April 20,2025.
This was one of the exceptional years where Easter fell on the same religious calendar for the east and west. Throughout the weekend there have been various religious activities on-going in Ivano-Frankivsk. As we were driving to various appointments yesterday, I saw long lines at different churches. These lines were men, women and families with their Easter baskets packed waiting for the Orthodox priest to bless them. Today (Sunday) the lines were longer and almost everyone walking on the sidewalks or waiting at the bus stops were carrying Easter baskets. These baskets are covered with a beautiful embroidered cloth and contain eggs, bread flowers, and other items. They are blessed by the Orthodox Prest and then carried home. All are dressed in their “Easter’s best” and religious services have been non-stop for the last 24 hours. It is really an interesting cultural event and far different than what is done “back home.”
Vova is in the last stages of dropping the Facebook online account for the Church and transferring all online activities to Telegram. This switch will require administrative approval for messages to be sent to the congregation but will allow a general viewing (without comments to the Church) of worship and Bible classes. This will eliminate anyone but those “approved” from contacting the members. BUT, in order to view worship and online activities, one must subscribe to the Telegram channel–the Facebook page is soon gone! We will NOT roll over those on the FB page to the Telegram channel. There is an approval process that must be followed.
Worship
The Church assembled to worship and it was a joyous time. See photos below of the assembly. Just before services I looked through the church building and was very pleased at the progress being made. In years past the building has been crammed with all kinds of “stuff.” For years I have asked that the building and grounds be cleaned up, but nothing was done (only more accumulated). On last summer’s trip I arranged for 3 truckloads to be hauled away. Recently Gif arranged for 2 more truckloads to take away the final trash. Pavel has swept and cleaned the building and continues working on various facets of construction (he is doing a super job with all tasks!). Today we had 23 in attendance but the count only showed 22. This is very good. In the number were some who have just begun attending. There were several not present because of the holiday and, as I’ve noted in previous reports, some of the men are active military and away from Ivano-Frankivsk.
John Durham preached and before his sermon he discussed the “bear project” that he had brought for the congregation to do.
After the worship assembly we enjoyed a period of fellowship. During this time Maria came up to me asking about the history of the Churches of Christ. She said she has a number of people she wants to ask to come and worship but they have questions she cannot answer. She specifically mentioned a reporter for a newspaper who has asked questions. She is now setting up appointment with the newspaper reporter and we will definitely sit and discuss any question that is asked. It will be a good opportunity to show how active the Ivano-Frankivsk Church of Christ is in benevolent actions, rehabilitation efforts and many more actions that directly impact the community.
It has been a very good day!
Please continue praying for our efforts! John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
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