HomeHistory

Faith passed through generations

The history of the Evangelical community in Salyha lives in its people, preserved memories and the experiences of generations of believers.

Historical photographs from the supplied publication — Historical photograph from the supplied publication. Capture date to be confirmed.

Our story began with reading the Gospel. According to Mykola Riabyi, in the second half of the 19th century Oksentii Fedorenko began reading the Scriptures and sharing them with his neighbours. This home gathering eventually grew into a church.

This story draws on Salyha — the story of one church, published in 2007. The author shares what he heard from earlier generations and witnessed himself.

Around 1868–1870

It began with the Gospel

According to Mykola Riabyi, Oksentii Fedorenko read the Gospel and shared it with his neighbours. A home gathering of believers took shape. This period is the author’s estimate, rather than an established founding date.

Part I, p. 40

Late 19th century

A community finds its way

The account describes Ivan Riaboshapka helping to organise church life. Riabyi names Dmytro Kovalenko as the first presbyter. He also mentions a registration book from 1883.

Part I, pp. 40, 42

1923

A shared house of prayer

Believers built a house of prayer on land allocated by the village community. It became a place for gathering in worship.

Part I, p. 42

1932–1940

Faith through hardship

After the building was closed and presbyter Andrii Feshchenko was arrested, church life continued in homes and secret gatherings. Yakiv Fedorenko cared for the community.

Part I, p. 42

1941–1944

Gathering openly again

Public worship, the choir and baptisms resumed. After the building was confiscated again in 1944, believers returned to meeting in homes and outdoors.

Part I, pp. 42–44

1960s–1980s

Holding on to fellowship

Riabyi describes restrictions, fines and a constant search for places to meet. Despite these difficulties, the community continued worshipping and passing faith to the next generation.

Part II, pp. 31–34

1993–1996

A new house of prayer

The account dates the allocation of land and foundation to 1993, preparation of materials to 1994, and the walls and roof to 1995. Services in the completed building began in 1996.

Part II, p. 34

«Тільки живіть згідно з Євангелією Христа…»

Philippians 1:27 · CUV · excerpt in Ukrainian

Preserving sources.
Listening to witnesses.

Main source: Mykola Riabyi. Salyha — the story of one church. The Way, the Truth and the Life, no. 3, September 2007, pp. 40–44; no. 4, December 2007, pp. 30–34.

The timeline is an editorial summary of the account. Approximate dates are marked. The author’s memories are not presented as independently verified archival facts.

The years after 2007 will be added as further documents and community accounts become available.

Explore preserved materials