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Russia – Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy
The Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy was founded in 1962 and was known for many
years as the "embassy church." For a number of years, the chaplaincy was located
in the American Embassy. Later, the group moved to rented facilities outside the
embassy. Services are now held at St. Andrew's Anglican Church on Sunday
afternoon at 3 p.m.
Worship is the center of the life of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy.
Worshipers include people from 20 - 25 different countries. The diverse
congregation embraces students, business people, refugees, native Russians and
diplomats. Sunday school, Bible studies, youth fellowship, and other
congregational activities provide members with many opportunities for spiritual
growth and fellowship.
In the early 1990s, the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy began a soup kitchen
outreach in response to the overwhelming need brought on by Russia's economic
crisis. The majority of guests at the soup kitchen are elderly pensioners whose
tiny pensions cannot begin to pay for their daily needs. MPC also sponsors 3
Food Sharing Programs that serve students, refugees, homeless people and
bi-racial families. Through these ministries MPC reaches out to disadvantaged
people who face discrimination on a daily basis.
In January 2002, the Chaplaincy opened a Parish Center that provides a safe
meeting place for refugees and students. It offers access to computers and the
Internet, a library, and space for counseling, fellowship and prayer.
Instruction in Russian, English, Computer Skills and other fields is offered
without charge. This is a friendly place in an often harsh metropolis.
The Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy has emerged as a major voice of mainstream
Protestantism in Moscow. The Pastor has opportunities to minister to all
American and other English-speaking expatriates, non-Americans, and non-church
members.
Visit MPC's website for more information:
www.moscowprotestantchaplaincy.org
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