Map of Russia
Current Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) engagement in Russia began in the 1990s with mission outreach from the national church, mission support groups, congregations, and individuals. Our ministry is lived out through congregational partnerships, education, outreach to marginalized peoples (the Roma, victims of trafficking, special needs children and adults, and orphans), ministries of compassion, peacemaking and reconciliation.
At present PC(USA) involvement in Russia is through mission personnel working with traditional churches and newly established ministries: the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of the Russian Federation, the Russian Round Table of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia and Other States, and the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy.
Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of the Russian Federation
The Baptist Union celebrates 1867 as the founding of this Christian tradition in Russia. It is the largest Protestant denomination in the country with over 1,800 congregations from Kaliningrad in the west to Vladivostok in the east. Today, their congregations are marked by vibrant worship and significant social outreach in their communities. The majority of PC(USA) congregations “twinned” with Russia congregations are partnered with Baptists.
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church, which has existed for over 1,000 years, is the dominant Christian presence in Russia today. Since the late 1980s, the church has experienced a period of dramatic renewal with over 13,000 parishes across the country. Where invited, the PC(USA) cooperates in social ministries such as outreach to special needs children, HIV/AIDS education and prevention, and disaster assistance.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia
The Lutheran tradition with a strong German heritage has been present in Russia for over 400 years. Its roots include immigration to major cities, conquest of border lands, and special invitations from the Tsars. The Evangelical Lutheran Church consists of two synods in European Russia and in Siberia and the Far East. The PC(USA) has maintained a strong connection with the Theological Seminary of the ELC for over a decade.
Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy
The Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy is an international, interdenominational Christian ministry serving the English-speaking community of Moscow. Established in 1962 by the National Council of Churches of Christ of the USA to provide Protestant ministry to the English-speaking diplomatic community, MPC today is a diverse congregation with members from nearly 30 nations. Students, business people, diplomats make MPC their church home. The PC(USA) was one of five supporting US denominations and has maintained a deep partnership for 50 years. Support can be offered here.
Kargel and Baedeker School
The Kargel and Baedeker School in St. Petersburg educates its kindergarten through 11th grade students to know God as revealed in scripture, to develop character, and to develop the student’s full educational potential. Established by PC(USA) mission coworker Garth Moller and his wife, Lyuda, the school can be supported here.
Russia Mission Network
The Russia Mission Network is one of more than 40 networks connecting Presbyterians with global partners. The purpose of the network is to support Christ’s mission through the ministries of Russian partner churches and organizations, to share passion and interest in the country’s culture, and to learn from one another. The network meets annually in September or October in the United States and brings together Russian church leaders and Presbyterians from across the PC(USA). For information, contact Deb Burgess at rmncom@hotmail.com or Ellen Smith at ellen.smith@pcusa.org.
Ellen Smith
Regional Liaison for Central and Eastern Europe
Ellen.Smith@pcusa.org
Luciano Kovacs
Area Coordinator for the Middle East and Europe
Luciano.Kovacs@pcusa.org
Christina Cosby
Mission Specialist for the Middle East and Europe
Christina.Cosby@pcusa.org
The Belarus Ukraine Russia Mission Network works within the region in solidarity with PCUSA partners to create a safe space for open conversation between neighboring countries in the region. In addition, they seek to support and maintain strong relationships with our partners focused on congregational vitality and education within the region.
Donations to their work will help support our partners along with host conversations between partners and congregations in the United States.
For more information reach out to Jean Waters, waters.jean@gmail.com or Ellen Smith, Ellen.Smith@pcusa.org
