"Evangelion Chorale is a professional-caliber choral ensemble that brings the gospel message of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration to the people of Ukraine. Through a wide variety of excellent choral music, this ministry encourages Ukrainian believers and presents biblical truth to the unchurched arts community."

He was a newly converted Ukrainian jazz musician and I an American Christian choral conductor. It was 1994, only three years after the liberation of the Soviet Republic of Ukraine, and I was there to disciple Slava at the invitation of mutual friends, Linda and Paul Wicklund, founders of The Shepherd's Foundation.

Slava's face reflected the character of the Ukrainian church community - steeled by hardship, yet shining with extraordinary spiritual vitality. From that visit on, I felt compelled to return to Ukraine to build musical bridges with a culture recovering from 70 years of Communist oppression. Evangelion Chorale is the result of that commitment.

Why is this mission so vital?

• Because in the historic city of L'viv a "babushka" (grandmother) who had endured untold suffering and persecution for her Christian faith said to me following our concert: "When I came to the concert today I didn't know what heaven was like. Now I do!"
• Because an initially skeptical professional conductor led a mid-concert standing ovation after our singing of Ukraine's most familiar choral composition.
• Because more than 200 Ukrainians huddled outside of the packed Rivne organ hall in the rain to enjoy just a few strains of the music which their American guests brought to them.
• Because, when the American and Ukrainian national hymns are sung in a medley to close the concert, Ukrainians stand and weep at the human freedoms we now share.
• Because a concert host in Cherkassy said: "Your music has done what 70 years of communism tried to prohibit; it has brought us together."

Experiences such as these, and many more, are a result of the unique ministry of the Evangelion Chorale.

I invite you to check out our website for details of our history, recordings of our singing, avenues for contact, and to be introduced to a remarkable thing God has privileged us to experience, of which I've been humbled to be a part.

Dennis Port
Founder and Artistic Director
Evangelion Chorale