The Embassy of God church celebrated its 17th anniversary from March 31 to April 3 in a huge white tent that served as a temple on the outskirts of Kyiv.
Although the event was attended by 4,000 people, the church’s top celebrity member, Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky, was not there. However, his mother-in-law and other relatives were at the event. Church members were charged an Hr 25 daily entrance fee.
The event included singing, dancing, services and praying.
Some 4,000 people came for the celebration
The church claims to teach 32,000 kids in Ukraine, and had special programs devoted to the young ones. “Before, I was a threat to children. I was manufacturing and selling drugs and all of them were my potential clients,” one preacher said. “I am so happy that I am healed and am now serving God.”
The church is widely known for its success in helping drug addicts and alcoholics. Members are against alcohol, smoking and premarital sex.
People are also expected to tithe – to give 10 percent of their income for church needs – the collection boxes were frequently passed around.
Many souls proclaimed “hallelujah” and prayed
The Embassy of God is also active in local communities. Several speakers mentioned that the church is succeeding in getting into every community council possible to influence social policies.
The church is not without controversies. Pastor Sunday Adelaja, the charismatic leader, is facing accusations of financial impropriety involving the fraudulent King’s Capital Trust, an investment company under investigation for defrauding clients of $180 million.
He has never been charged and says he also was a victim of the scheme.
Sunday Adelaja, founder and senior pastor of the Embassy of God
Adelaja was, nevertheless, vocal in his speeches about the need to love your enemies and bring light to people.
He also provided fluent translation into Russian for Apostle Ulysses Tuff, one of the Church’s founders, who came from the United States. Although such a title may be surprising for Orthodox Christians, the Embassy of God embraces the designation.
Kyiv Post staff writer Kateryna Panova can be reached at [email protected]. Photos by Kyiv Post photographer Joseph Sywenkyj.
