“Did you know that the Slavic Evangelical Christian Church’s story began not here but in the bustling Lower Manhattan of 1919?” The church before us stands as a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of Slavic immigrants. Its roots lie deep within the heart of a community forged in the early 20th century. Many immigrant families from Russia Ukraine and other Slavic nations came together to form this important church. Ivan T Voronaev a key founder was originally Orthodox. He became a Baptist missionary in 1907 after a profound spiritual transformation. He even served in the army in Tashkent before his conversion. Facing threats he moved to California then New York. Voronaev’s initial skepticism about the baptism of the Holy Spirit vanished when his daughter Vera received the gift of tongues. This led to his own spiritual awakening.
In 1919 Voronaev’s brother and nineteen others established the first Russian Pentecostal church in New York City. They began in a rented space on 6th Street. The church flourished drawing Slavic people from various backgrounds. Imagine the energy the hope and the collective faith that fueled this burgeoning community. They spoke languages like Russian Ukrainian and Polish. Their shared faith transcended language barriers.
In 1920 Voronaev and three brothers answered a call to return to Ukraine. Their mission was to spread the gospel there. Meanwhile in New York the Slavic Pentecostal church continued to grow. It eventually divided into a Russian-speaking congregation and a Ukrainian-speaking one. The Ukrainian branch the First Ukrainian Evangelical Pentecostal Church acquired its own building on 7th Street in 1937. It later joined the Assemblies of God in 1960 changing its name to First Ukrainian Assembly of God. The church continued to thrive under various pastors. Anatoliy Yaruczyk served from 1976 to 2013 while Ivan Belets currently holds the position. This church at 207 First Avenue represents a legacy of faith. It stands as a beacon of hope for generations of Slavic immigrants and their descendants. The building itself may seem unassuming but within these walls lie stories of perseverance and profound spiritual journeys. A place where community thrived and faith endured.