Gagauz Choir at First Slavic Evangelical Baptist Church

On August 23, a small but truly historic event took place at First Slavic Evangelical Baptist Church. A Gagauz choir participated in the morning worship service, and two unusual musical instruments—a xylophone made from wrenches and an Armenian duduk—were heard in the church for the first time.

Although the choir is known as the Gagauz Choir, its members represent many different nationalities, including Russians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Gagauz, Moldovans, and others. Brother Sam Truyan, who played the duduk, an ancient Armenian instrument, is an American of Armenian descent.

Hymns were performed in several languages—Gagauz, Lithuanian, Turkish, and Russian—accompanied by a small orchestra. It included instruments that are rarely heard today in Slavic churches in America, such as the bayan, balalaika, and acoustic guitar. A solo performance of the hymn “God Is Love” on a xylophone made from ordinary wrenches brought smiles to the faces of many in attendance.

Dmitry A. Kochanzhi, a well-known Christian preacher and minister at Word of Life Church in Portland, Oregon, is Gagauz by nationality and a missionary with many years of ministry experience. He delivered a message titled “Why Did You Remain Silent?” based on Psalm 32:3–4. He spoke about the importance of repentance, confessing one’s sins, and being reconciled to God while there is still time.

A full recording of the worship service is available at this link.

If you have any questions for Brother Dmitry Kochanzhi, you may contact him by phone at (864) 753-3309.