IZHEVSK – On December 14, 2025, a significant event took place at Philadelphia Church in Izhevsk—the ordination of a new senior pastor.
The Philadelphia Church was founded by Pavel Zhelnovakov, and from the very first day of its existence, it was under his spiritual leadership. For many years, he devoted himself to serving God and the local church, laying a solid spiritual foundation and setting an example of faithfulness and pastoral responsibility.
In accordance with the decision of the Church Council, Pavel Zhelnovakov passed on his ministry to the next generation.
Maxim Zhelnovakov was ordained as Senior Pastor. The ordination was attended by the Head Bishop of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Pentecostals Eduard Grabovenko, Deputy Head Bishop in the Volga and Ural Federal Districts, Bishop Pavel Zhelnovakov, Deputy Head Bishop in the Volga Federal District, Bishop Vasily Evchik, and Deputy Head Bishop in the Southern Federal District, Bishop Alexander Kalinin.
Maxim Zhelnovakov saw a living example of his father’s pastoral ministry not only in sermons and public worship services, but also through daily faithfulness, responsibility, and the price of following Christ. Today, he is taking on this ministry personally, continuing the path laid out earlier.
The church expresses its gratitude for Pavel Zhelnovakov's many years of service and prayerfully supports Maxim Zhelnovakov at the beginning of this new stage in his life.
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Pentecostals
