Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking Adventist churches across the Pacific Northwest gathered on Sabbath, May 17, 2025, for the long-awaited return of their beloved Choral Festival — now in its fourth season.
First launched in 2018, the festival ran annually until 2020, when it was interrupted by the pandemic. After a multi-year pause, it was joyfully revived this year, marking a powerful moment of reconnection and praise.
More than 1,000 attendees from Washington, Oregon and Upper Columbia conferences came together for an evening of music, worship and community.
Hosted by four Washington Conference churches — Center for Spiritual Enrichment in Bellevue, Steps to Christ Church in Federal Way, Ukrainian Adventist Church of Washington in Auburn and Tacoma Russian Center Adventist Church — the festival featured a vibrant music program that included performances from individual church choirs and a moving combined choir performance.
The event was organized under the leadership of Vitali Oliinik, Washington Conference Russian-Ukrainian ministries coordinator. The music program was coordinated by Elena Godunova, former Zaoksky University music department dean, who also conducted the combined choir.
In addition to the participating choirs, a special group of musicians and concertmasters offered their time and talents to support each church, ensuring musical unity and a spirit of worship throughout the festival.
Many attendees remarked on the joy of reconnecting with longtime friends — some of whom had worshiped together decades earlier in their home countries. The festival became not only a musical celebration, but also a heartfelt reunion for church members with deep shared roots.
The evening culminated in a powerful worship moment as all the choirs joined in a unified performance, lifting their voices together in praise. The sanctuary filled with harmonies of devotion and joy. Pastors from the participating congregations then came forward to offer a collective blessing, closing the festival in prayer and gratitude.
Following the music program, the large crowd enjoyed refreshments and warm fellowship. Special thanks go to the local churches responsible for hospitality, especially the dedicated deacon teams, whose service made the evening even more memorable.
As the final notes faded and prayers were said, the message was clear: in worship, service and shared mission, these communities are stronger together, reflecting God’s love across the Pacific Northwest.
Vitali Oliinik, Washington Conference Russian-Ukrainian coordinator, speaks to festival attendees.
Elena Godunova, former Zaoksky University music department dean, conducts the combined choir.
The festival features a combined choir of Russian-Ukrainian-speaking churches, some of whom had worshiped together decades earlier in their home countries.
Groups of musicians play at the festival.
