Evening of Remembrance of Martyrs in Tambov

Remembrance of historical events is important in life, and a special place and significance belongs to Christian remembrance. After all, it is one of God's commandments. On the pages of the Old and New Testaments, there is a direct Divine command: "Remember all the way..." (Deut. 8:2), "Remember your former days..." (Heb. 10:32), "Remember those who lead you..." (Heb. 13:7).   

Evangelical Christianity in Russia was persecuted from its very inception. Even the highest Russian aristocracy were expelled from the borders of the Fatherland if they actively engaged in public preaching of the Truths of the Gospel.

But the most sophisticated and brutal persecution of evangelicals and other Christians occurred during the Soviet atheist era. Stalin's mass repressions emptied churches, destroying special and talented Christians. One such natural talent was Vasily Stepanov (1874-1937), who passed away as a result of his health being ruined in the Gulag.

This Baptist pastor left a rich spiritual legacy: poems and songs, original sermons and articles, educational talks and instructions for preachers. Notably, his is missionary service covered some of the most remote regions of Russia.

The village of Peski in Tambov province is Stepanov's birthplace. By the mid-1920s, this village had become a major spiritual, educational, missionary and training center for preparing preachers. The number of Baptists in the village alone was 800 people.

In memory of the outstanding Christian minister, a sufferer for the faith, all those present sang his famous hymn: “When trials overcome you.”

Local Tambov pastor Ivan Tolstopiatov, convicted during the years of Andropov's persecution of the church, was released only at the end of 1987. Now his sons serve as priests in different cities: Aleksey in Tambov, Andrey in Voronezh, and Aleksandr in the city of Sasovo (Ryazan region).

Remembering his father and his fellow sufferers, Alexander Tolstopiatov sang the song “Bonfire” to the guitar about the execution of the famous Christian martyr, the forerunner of the Reformation, Jan Hus.

The corresponding musical part of the Evening was prepared by graduates of the Institute of Sacred Music, choirmasters of the local church: Alexander Atik and Alena Andreeva. People who know a lot about music, have experience and who came to the Evening for the first time, said that the church choir has a fairly high level of skill, the choirmasters and choristers are well prepared.

The Tambov UECB Regional Pastor, Anatoly Alipichev, spoke about biblical heroes of the faith as the New Testament in Hebrews 11 and Acts, emphasized that Chrstians were not called to an easy life, but one of hardship and persecution, just like Jesus said would happen. “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Also he shared that the disciples of Christ were called to wage spiritual warfare against unbelief and sin. Simply put, by prayer, repentance and remembrance of the Gospel.

According to the feedback, the special evening passed like one quick breath. It was informative, edifying, interesting and inspiring. This was probably due to the fact that Christians from five churches took an active part in the program preparations, so folks were not allowed to be indifferent or lazy. Everyone did their part toward making the event a success.

Final thoughts: Christians on fire, active in many areas, ready to sacrifice personal interests for the sake of saving souls and the glory of God, serve as an example for us in preserving and developing the culture of Christian remembrance.

Vladimir Popov.