Ukraine’s Adventist Church Elects New Leadership Amid Ongoing Conflict

Roman Prodanika, now president of the Ukrainian Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was born into an Orthodox Christian family in Ukraine. His spiritual journey began during his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he encountered the New Testament and developed a personal relationship with Jesus. In 1991, he was baptized in Lviv through the ministry of Siril Miller and describes this as a pivotal moment in his faith journey.

Prodanika pursued further education at the Zaoc Spiritual Academy and the University of Andrews, where he studied arts and medicine. His pastoral service began in 1994, initially in Western conferences, followed by roles in Kiev, including leadership positions in the Kiev Conference and coordination of Saturday school, personal service, and Adventist missions.

Known for his charismatic preaching, Prodanika’s sermons have garnered significant online attention, with some videos amassing tens of thousands of views on YouTube. As a pastor and teacher at the Ukrainian Adventist Theological Institute, he is actively involved in shaping future church leaders and promoting the Adventist principle of living a life of service and faith.

The election of new leadership for the Ukrainian Union Conference took place during a mixed-format session of the General Conference of the World Council of Adventists. Delegates from Ukraine joined the event both in person in St. Louis, Missouri, and online. The session featured speeches from Richard McEdward, who shared his experience of his son’s humanitarian service in Ukraine during the Russian invasion, and Artur Schtel, who highlighted the special format of the event due to its shortened duration.

The newly elected leadership includes 13 members for the executive committee, covering key roles such as president, executive secretary, treasurer, and directors of regional conferences. Other institutional and departmental officials will be selected by the executive committee. This leadership transition reflects the Adventist Church’s ongoing efforts to adapt and respond to the challenges faced by its congregations in Ukraine.

The Adventist Church in Ukraine continues to focus on mission work, humanitarian aid, and spiritual growth, aligning with its broader global mission. The election of new leaders underscores the church’s commitment to fostering unity, leadership development, and service within the community. As the church navigates these challenges, it remains dedicated to its core principles of faith, compassion, and community support.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)