Within this diverse church family exists 15 nationalities, including Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, Georgian, Belarusian, and more, worshiping together each week.
Services are in Russian, yet members and visitors from many countries share greetings from their families and unite in prayer for their well-being and safety.
Anatoliy Gurduiala has been the senior pastor of the congregation since 2010 and is Ukrainian. In a recent sermon, he emphasized what Christians need to do during this time. He encouraged those in attendance to remember that our citizenship is in heaven, as Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20. As Christians—citizens of heaven—we must bring light to other people's lives.
Gurduiala revisited the story of Elisha and the Arameans in 2 Kings 6:10-23. From this familiar passage, he highlighted two key points:
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Verse 16: “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
- Today if we ask God to open our spiritual eyes, we will see so many angels around us.
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Verse 22: “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.”
- Hatred brings hatred, not good things. This is why the prophet said to go and bring bread.
Gurduiala also touched on the challenging message of Matthew 5:44 to love our enemies. Although we are not perfect today, we must strive to love even those who are hurting us. "That's what makes Christians different," Pastor Gurduiala noted. Nationality doesn't matter in a church family—we are all God's children.
In closing, Gurduiala turned to Galatians 5:20-22. There are times when we think that we have not sinned because we didn't kill or commit another "big sin," but fostering a spirit of disunity is also sin. The message of selfless Christian love, even in the midst of pain, is an important and timely one for the church today.
Throughout the service, as members shared, prayed, and fellowshipped together, a sense of deep, unified support for the people of Ukraine was evident.
Members shared personal stories of what their families are experiencing as the war continues and the dangers they face each day.
Our hearts are with this congregation and their families who are suffering during these unthinkable times. May we continue to lift up the members and families of this church in prayer, as well as our brothers and sisters everywhere who are affected by this tragic war.
Connect with the Russian-American church
1809 Gardena Ave, Glendale, CA 91204
818.274-2844
mail@adventistla.org
