Welcome to the Thunder Bay Church website!
My name is pastor Leo and I am truly glad that you have taken the time to learn more about our church family here in Northern Ontario, where God is preparing hearts for the soon coming of Christ.
The Thunder Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church is a community of faithful and caring Christians whose purpose is simple and clear: to share God’s love, to live out the life of Jesus in our community, and to help people prepare for His return.
Our church motto reflects this calling: “A Place Where You Can Worship” — a place where you can experience the joy of Jesus Christ.
I would like to share my spiritual journey with God. I was born in the former Soviet Union into a military family. At the age of 16, through Bible study during an evangelistic series, I accepted Christ and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
After earning a degree in mathematics and physics in 1998, I felt God’s call to ministry and completed my theological training at Zaoksky Theological Seminary in 2001. Since then, I have served in pastoral ministry for over 25 years. During that time, I have also served as a Bible worker, missionary, evangelist, chaplain in a health institution, and conference health ministries director.
For the past decade, I served in the Ukrainian Union as director of Adventist Mission, Sabbath School, and Personal Ministries. Most recently, I served as director of ADRA Ukraine. I am also the author of several books and have taught at the Ukrainian Theological University.
At the end of 2025, the Lord graciously led my family and me to Northern Ontario, where I now have the privilege of serving this warm and caring congregation in Thunder Bay. Together, we share the gospel of Jesus with our neighbors and local communities.
I warmly invite you to visit us at 1770 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, and join us for a meaningful worship experience with people who love God with all their heart, mind, and soul.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you will sense the warmth of God’s love through His people. I look forward to meeting you personally.
With blessings,
Senior Pastor Leo Rutkovskyi
