SGA Prayer Update

St. Petersburg Churches Receive Condolences for Family of Slain Pastor

I am writing to update you on the situation in St. Peterburg, Russia, following last week’s horrible beating death of 76-year-old Pastor Yuri Golovin. Pastor Yuri was a much beloved preacher at the Central Baptist Church, and had been serving the Lord faithfully since 1956, including work with The Gideons in addition to his pastoral ministry.

According to UECB regional vice president Victor Sipko, Pastor Golovin had just taken part in the National Prayer Breakfast, and had expressed his joy that this landmark event had been held in St. Petersburg for the first time. He exclaimed, “Now, like Simeon, I can say that my eyes saw His salvation, and go home to the Lord.”

Then, shortly after noon, Pastor Golovin traveled to visit the home of an elderly Christian sister and take her much needed food. At the entrance to her home, a number of unknown assailants assaulted Pastor Yuri, and beat him severely. He was able to call out to the woman inside, and she immediately called an ambulance. Pastor Yuri later died of his injuries at the hospital. There has still been no confirmation of what motivated the assault, but some in the media have speculated that it could have been local drug addicts.

Pastor Yuri is survived by his wife of 46 years, Alla, as well as a son, Andrew, and two daughters, Helen and Julia. Two grandchildren also survive. Pastor Victor Sipko informed me that the churches have helped the family with funeral costs, and will soon be finding out more about additional needs.

Please continue to intercede in prayer, asking God to bring comfort to Pastor Golovin’s beloved Alla, their children and grandchildren, and the greater church family. Pray especially that this awful tragedy will be used by the Lord to open up many opportunities for the Gospel and the demonstration of Christ’s love, especially for unsaved family members.

I will keep you advised as any needs or new information arises.