Romanian U.S. Churches Celebrate Milestones
Two Romanian churches under the Church of God Romanian Territory Office recently celebrated milestone anniversaries.
The Elim Church of God, Hollywood Florida, celebrated their 30th anniversary on October 20. Beginning as a small group study in the Dolphin Motel, owned by Reverend Samuel Isfan, and assisted by Church of God Theological Seminary student, Lazar Gog, the church began. It has grown from its humble beginnings to a large congregation of nearly 400 with outreach around the world. With a beautiful million dollar building sitting on a main street in Hollywood, the church has seen great favor of God throughout the years. During its anniversary celebration, various former members and pastors were in attendance and each remarked about their experiences with God while involved with this very dynamic church. The current pastor is Reverend Gheorghe Strimbu.
Also during the month of October, the Philadelphia Romanian Church of God in Chicago, Illinois celebrated their 40th anniversary. During a month long celebration, they celebrated Philadelphia’s faith, family and fellowship. The celebration led up to the last weekend of October, when several services were held in honor of the anniversary. This church was founded by Reverend Samuel Isfan and Reverend George Galis, during a time when Romania was under communist rule. During the early years of the church, many immigrants came to America by way of Chicago, after having escaped from communism. The church was a place of refuge and community. Pastor Galis wrote to Dr. Ray H. Hughes, soon after the church started meeting, and asked if they could join the Church of God. Rev. Bill Rayburn followed up with them and a relationship was formed that has continued through the years. The church has had three senior pastors in its 40 years of existence including, Rev. George Galis, Rev. Peter Lascau, and Rev. Florin Cimpean. The church has also sent out several successful pastors, including Rev. Moses Gaode and Rev. John Tipei. God has been good to the Philadelphia church and they have seen God’s favor through the years, with a congregation of around 900 children, youth and adults. During the celebration, the honorable Pat Quinn, Governor of the state of Illinois, participated and presented to the church a proclamation, declaring Sunday, October 27, to be Philadelphia Romanian Church of God Day in Illinois. The church is now located in the northern part of Chicago, where God has provided a beautiful multi-million dollar building for them as a place of worship.
Also in 2012, Dr. Lazar Gog celebrated 25 years with the Emanuel Romanian Church of God in Anaheim, California, a church he began serving after graduation from the Church of God Theological Seminary (now PTS). This congregation has also experienced significant ministry and growth under his pastoral leadership. They are completing a major renovation of their building, which they were able to purchase recently, which was formerly a Jewish temple.
These churches are a part of the Church of God Romanian Territory where Dr. Tony P. Lane serves as Administrative Bishop.
