A trip to Chernivci
Early in the morning, you might say, almost at dawn, the delegation of the Kiev Christian University left Kiev. A long way in the city of Chernivci was ahead, where we want to tell people about opportunities and programs provided by our university, to participate in the service of the Church and meet with local youth.
The weather was wonderful and the road blessed. The first town where we stopped in was Dunayevci. This small town of Khmelnitsky region greeted us with hospitality of Tokar family – the relatives of the diligent KCU worker Igor Tokar. Brother Anatoly Tokar and his wonderful wife invited us for delicious dinner. The food, prepared from products, have just been collected from beds, berry compote, which will long be remembered by all, and a wonderful family atmosphere was appreciated by everyone, so there was no wish to leave Dunayevci. But the main purpose of our trip was Chernivci, and we had to leave this blessed house.
We also had a wonderful opportunity to stop by Kamenec-Podilskyj on our way. This amazingly beautiful city ranks third in Ukraine by number of architectural monuments and is a favorite place for tourists. We saw the sights of the city, visited the old castle, built by the princes Koriatovychi back in 1362, and learned many interesting things from the history of Bukovyna.
When we left the Kamenec the sun was shining brightly, but Chernivci met us with rain and overcast skies, though even the bad weather failed to spoil the beauty of the city. The cobbled streets and small multicolored houses just charmed everyone. Several years ago, Chernivci celebrated its 600’s anniversary and by the holiday time a lot was restored - now the city looks clean and bright. On Sunday we also visited the main architectural decoration of the city - Chernivci National University of J. Fedkovich, built over 130 years ago. KCU students who reside in Chernivci showed us the city, and youth from a local church hospitably invited us to stay.
In the morning we visited the Central Baptist Church in Chernivci, where we took part in the service. Illya M. Kozubovskyj shared a sermon about the contemplation of God and love to Him, and Victor N. Grigorenko encouraged the church to "take ye heed, watch and pray." The talented quartet which consist of Olha Ravlyuk, Halyna A. Rafalska, Oleksandr Zalishhuk, Illya M. Kozubovskyj sang several songs in Latin, Jewish and Ukrainian languages. Also Vasyl Muzychenko read a poem. In the evening we visited the Baptist Church “Serce Isusa” (Heart of Jesus), where we also presented our musical program. We were very blessed with the opportunity to attend the ministries in God's houses and find new friends among our brothers and sisters. In the churches were represented educational programs of the university, and we hope that young people who have heard of the KCU, will come to get an education, and will work effectively for God, building up their churches.
The trip was a special time where everyone was able to serve and relax, find new friends and hear God's word, because not so often we have an opportunity to hear six sermons a day. God blessed this time in special way, supporting and protecting us.
Natalia Pashchenko
