First Graham Fest in Ukraine Attracts Nationwide Attention
More than 4,300 churches in Ukraine are busy preparing to welcome the first Franklin Graham Festival to the former Soviet Union nation this week.
Beginning Friday, the Olympic Stadium in the capital Kiev will host the Festival of Hope that will bring together U.S. evangelist Graham, musical artists, and athletes for a three-day event meant to bring the message of hope and encouragement to the people of Ukraine. Graham was invited to share the Gospel in Ukraine by local pastors and church leaders.
"Everyone is welcome," said Franklin Graham, the eldest son of America's most famous evangelist Billy Graham, in a statement. "I hope that anyone in the Ukraine who is struggling with questions about life, has lost hope, or would like a new beginning will come to this festival."
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Franklin Graham Festivals are three-day events featuring messages delivered by the globe-trotting preacher, coupled with high-energy and inspirational music.
During the upcoming fest, musical performers from the Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Belarus as well as from the United States will participate in the music segment. A local choir composed of nearly 4,000 volunteers will also perform.
Besides messages from Graham, champion athletes from the sports of boxing, football, and speed skating will also share personal stories about their faith.
A satellite feed of the Festival of Hope will be shown in 94 locations across the Ukraine for people who cannot travel to the stadium. Locations where the fest will be broadcast include prisons, a military base, city plazas, community centers and churches.
The festival will begin each evening at 6:30 p.m. (local time), with Graham scheduled to speak each night. All programs will be open to the public and free of charge.
Since 1989, Franklin Graham has held an average of seven festivals each year as an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In addition to holding the title as the CEO/President of BGEA, Graham is also the president of the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse.
Earlier this year, two U.S. Graham fests were held in Norfolk, Va., and Binghamton, N.Y., and one overseas in Panama City, Panama. Other festivals scheduled this year include the upcoming one in Ukraine this week (June 6-8); Guayaquil, Ecuador (Aug. 23-25); Busan, Korea (Oct. 18-21); Tacoma, Wash. (Nov. 2-4); and Hong Kong, China (Nov. 29-Dec. 2).
