When I first met Father Vladimir in August he told me that he really had to wrestle in prayer over his decision. He said that it dawned on him that since 97% of the Ukrainian people belong to the Orthodox Church he could do more good and reach more people than he could as just another Baptist preacher. He then informed me that as an Orthodox Priest he could walk into any government office unannounced and be accepted. This is but one of the many ‘points of power’ accorded to the Orthodox leaders.

However he went on to explain, that since he now knows the truth- and pausing a moment- he added, and I am learning more and more every day. It is wonderful to have a real Savior! So Vladimir has started teaching the truth from the Word of God in his churches as well as in several home bible studies he has started. Because of his ‘new teachings’ Vladimir was called before a disciplinary commission in Kiev. One of the core beliefs of the Orthodox is that you can only be baptized one time. He said that at that commission he was able to witness from the Bible to the highest Orthodox leaders for over 2 hours! He used a new weapon- The Word of God. The Orthodox espouse the Bible, they just never read it!  The leaders argued for over an hour but they could not make a decision, so just told him to stop baptizing people twice and dismissed the matter.

Father Vladimir is still teaching people that they first must trust Christ instead of the church- then be baptized as a testimony to that new trust.  I asked him if he had been able to witness to any of his young peers. He said that he had and while some grasped what he said that most of them were afraid of the Orthodox leaders. He said I have not given up on my brother priests and I believe some will soon be so convicted that they will join me and teach from God’s Word.

Father Vadim is now on the staff of The Gospel Vision Foundation and I ask you to pray that he will make inroads into the Orthodox church- and recruit other young priests as well.  Another Martin Luther may be too much to ask, but we have not because we ask not, and the God we serve is vastly able to open any door. Please pray that God will give Father Vladimir a holy boldness, and use him to the fullest degree, and that Father Vladimir will have the courage to stay the course.