Draft:Porfiry Ilchuk

Porfiry Antonomovich Ilchuk (Ильчук Порфирий Автономович), was an early religious leader, evangelist and a founding member of the Pentecostal movement in Ukraine, particularly in western Ukraine that was a part of the Soviet Union. He was among the first to introduce and expand the Pentecostal movement in Ukraine.

Early Life and Migration to America
Porfiry was born in 1883 in the village of Bykovtsy, Ternopil region.

He at that time, along with many other compatriots, was drawn to the prospects in the United States, so in April 1913, just before the outbreak of World War I, he embarked on a voyage to the United States, alongside two close friends, driven by the desire to provide for their families and seek a better life abroad. Their path led them to the shores of America.

While living in the US in February 1918, Porfiry met Danylo Romaniuk, who introduced him to Christianity. In May 1918, Porfiry accepted Jesus Christ and began preaching the message of salvation to his friends, eventually becoming a member of a local Assemblies of God church. He considered this spiritual transformation the greatest treasure he gained while overseas.

During his seven-year stay in America, Porfiry, accompanied by his friends Yosyp Antonyuk and Trofim Nagornyi, regularly attended weekly services at an Assemblies of God Pentecostal church. This church belonged to the Russian Assemblies of God chapter led by Ivan Voronaev and Ivan Geris.

Education and Return to Ukraine
Despite being attracted to the American dream, Porfiry felt a strong obligation and duty to return to his homeland in Ukraine in order to embrace his newfound calling to minister and spread the gospel. With the support of local pastors and the patronage of Wilhelm Fetler, he pursued theological studies at the Russian Biblical Institute of Theology in Philadelphia, PA immersing himself in the study of Christian doctrine and scripture. It was during this time in 1919 that Porfiry first encountered Gustav Schmidt, Ivan Geris, and Ivan Voronaev. Ivan Voronaev would later, lay the groundwork for the formation of the Ukrainian Union of Pentecostal Churches, paving the way for a new era of religious freedom and expression in the region. Voronaev had embraced evangelism prior to his arrival in Ukraine, but it was in Odessa where his missionary efforts within the country first took shape.

In 1920, Porfiry Ilchuk, accompanied by his countrymen Yosyp Antonyuk and Trofim Nagornyi, returned to Ukraine after a seven-year absence. Their fervent mission to spread the word of their faith led them to actively evangelize in their hometowns and neighboring cities, ultimately founding numerous churches as more people joined their congregation.

On May 1–3, 1924, the first Convention of Christians of the Holy Pentecost took place in Kremenets, which was attended by Ivan Geris, Porfiry Ilchuk, Yosyp Antonyuk, Trofim Nagornyi, Yosyp Cherskyi, Mykhailo Verbitskyi, and many other early church leaders. This convention was of great importance; the charter of the church was adopted, the creed was defined, and the rules of church life were established. At the convention, the practical activities of the Union of Pentecostal Churches were discussed and formalized, as well as doctrinal beliefs and foundational principles of the church were outlined. The issue of military service was declared a matter of conscience for every believer. By the end of the convention, Yosyp Cherskyi and Porfiry Ilchuk were ordained to the priesthood, becoming among the first presbyters and bishops of the Pentecostal brotherhood in Ukraine at that time.

Later Life
Throughout his ministry in Ukraine, Porfiry faced persecution from authorities and was imprisoned multiple times for his beliefs and for spreading the gospel in the Soviet Union.

Personal life
From 1904 to 1908, he was conscripted into the Russian Imperial Army and served in Central Asia, guarding the southern borders of the Russian Empire.

Ilchuk was born in 1883. He was married to Maria Ilchuk. He passed away on April 24, 1956.