130th anniversary of the Bezhitsa Evangelical Christian-Baptist Church

The Lord has blessed the Bryansk region with many blessings, laid down by our great-grandfathers, grandfathers, and fathers who gave their lives to spread the Good News and study the Holy Scriptures. It's no wonder that today the Bryansk region hosts congresses, large conferences, and seminars attended by thousands, where the truths of the Gospel are shared.

On October 12, 2025, upon entering the Temple grounds, everyone passed through an archway bearing the inscription: "130 years." Photographs of the Church's ministers from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries were also on display.

A brass band played, samovars filled with hot tea were on hand, and the participants rejoiced and congratulated the church on this great and wonderful occasion.

The service began—a chorus, solos, quartets, trios, groups... The church sang many wonderful songs together. There were countless congratulations from different pastors, the last of which was the UECB President, Peter Mitskevich, who congratulated the church and reminded them of the importance of following the Lord, spiritual growth, faithfulness, and God's love. Finally, the church was presented with a gift from the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists. The service lasted over three hours!

Bezhitsa Church in Bryansk is a blessing to the entire Russian Baptist community. It is home to the Bryansk Bible College and is also a center for music ministry, where the outstanding music minister Ivan Romanenko works. Great attention is paid to music ministry here: everyone sings, from children and teenagers to adult singers and choir members.

The brothers and sisters in the Bezhitsa Church love the Lord, love the community and, of course, love their city and country.

The day before the celebration, on Saturday, October 11, 250 men from across the Bryansk region gathered at the Second Bryansk Church for a brotherhood fellowship. Several sermons and lectures were given on the topic of "The Pastor." Who is he? What should he be like? How should one treat a minister?

The meeting was followed by a discussion with Mitskevich, focusing on the dynamics of processes in the modern world and the ministry of Baptist Christians worldwide, in Europe, and, of course, in Russia. They prayed for the Lord to grant a spiritual awakening everywhere.

P.V. Mitskevich noted: "I want to thank the Lord for the Bryansk brotherhood! They pray not only for themselves, not only work to ensure their churches are good, large, and filled, but they pray for all of Russia, near and far. Many construction groups from the Bryansk region work in various regions of our country. Missionaries from the Bryansk region serve in various corners of Russia. For this, we must thank the Lord and them! And they are constantly learning, increasing their spiritual potential. Glory to God!"

Historical background

In 1895, the first believer’s baptism took place, and a church council along with presbyter, Daniil Timoshenko, were elected.

The Church endured persecution under the Tsarist and Stalinist regimes. Many of its clergy and ordinary members, including D.M. Timoshenko, were repeatedly persecuted. Some never returned from the Gulag camps, while others returned as disabled.

In the early 1960s, due to the USSR's anti-religious policies, the Bezhitsa Church was stripped of its state registration. Some believers went underground and endured severe persecution; others remained legally established and held joint services with the church in the Volodarsky District of Bryansk.

In 1977, after numerous petitions, the Bezhitsa Church's registration was renewed. A new chapter in its history had begun. Construction began on a prayer house at 263 Bezhitskaya Street. However, the authorities soon confiscated the building and demolished it overnight. The site was confiscated and remained vacant for 14 years.

Only in late 1991, after the fall of the communist regime, was the site returned to the church. Within four years, a new, majestic house of prayer—the Church of the Resurrection—was erected on the site of the house destroyed in 1977.

Since 1996, the Bezhitsa Church, inspired by the Lord's Great Commission, has been actively preaching the Gospel. During this time, eight daughter churches have been founded, hundreds of people have been baptized, and dozens of young ministers have been ordained. The church develops social outreach and practices high-quality musical art, glorifying God.

Praise God for such a wonderful beacon of love and hope in that community! A true example to all of us! May the Lord bless this church with at least 130 more years of service