Our presence in Slovakia

Doctrinal teaching and preaching of Oneness Pentecostals is present in Slovakia for over century since 1919

UPCI Missionaries to Slovakia

The Tir’s received their appointment as UPCI missionaries to Slovakia in September, 2000.

We believe

We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The word of God is true. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

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United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI): Global Mission & History

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a premier Oneness Pentecostal organization with a global reach, encompassing ministers, churches, and members dedicated to the Apostolic faith. Our mission is clear: to carry the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church.

Roots of the Pentecostal Movement

The UPCI emerged from the modern Pentecostal revival that began at a Bible school in Topeka, Kansas (1901) and gained global momentum during the Azusa Street Revival (1906) in Los Angeles.

Our organizational identity was forged in 1916 when ministers united around two core biblical pillars:

  1. The Oneness of God: The revelation of God in Jesus Christ.
  2. Water Baptism: Performed by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.

Explosive Global Growth

Since the landmark merger of the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ in 1945, the UPCI has become one of the world’s fastest-growing denominations.

  • Presence: 200+ nations and territories.
  • Community: 5.8 million constituents.
  • Leadership: 45,000 credentialed ministers.

• • Churches: Over 45,000 congregations and preaching points.

What is Oneness Pentecostalism?

For many, the term “Pentecostal” is a reference to the biblical Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Oneness Pentecostals look to the Book of Acts as the definitive guide for Christian living and worship.

We believe that the early apostles—as eyewitnesses to Jesus’ teachings—offered the clearest insight into salvation. This includes the infilling of the Holy Spirit (evidenced by speaking in tongues) and a life dedicated to biblical holiness.

History of the Apostolic Movement in Slovakia

The story of the UPCI in Slovakia is a powerful testament to faith surviving migration, war, and political oppression.

From American Coal Mines to Slovak Villages (1913–1920)

In 1913, Slovak immigrants like Jan Ondrasik and Ondrej Husarcik moved to Pennsylvania for work. Through Bible study, they embraced the truths of Apostolic salvation, stepping away from traditional roots to follow a biblical path.

By 1917, a thriving Slovak community in Akron, Ohio, was baptized in Jesus’ name according to Acts 2:38. In 1919, Jan Banas returned to his homeland, followed by Ondrasik and Steve Kurpas, establishing the first official Apostolic group, the “Church of God,” in Liptovska Luzna.

Survival Under Communism (1950–1989)

The movement faced its greatest trial in 1950 when the Communist government seized the church building in Liptovska Luzna, converting it into a warehouse for 40 years.

Despite being “underground,” the faith thrived:

  • Secret Worship: Believers met in private homes, notably that of Brother Emil Vesely.

• • Iron Curtain Missionaries: Brave missionaries from the USA secretly visited Czechoslovakia during the Cold War to encourage those behind the Iron Curtain.

Restoration and Modern Expansion

Following the fall of Communism in 1989, the church building was legally returned and rededicated in 1992. In the 1990s, UPCI missionaries Steven and Jean Tir officially arrived, expanding the work into Eastern Slovakia.

  • Košice & Michalovce: Major hubs for modern Apostolic ministry.
  • Michaľany (2022): Construction of a new facility serving believers from Byšta, Kazimír, and Čerhov.
  • ABI Bible School (est. 2018): Located in Michalovce, the Apostolic Bible Institute (ABI) continues to train the next generation of leaders.

“Planting Seeds” (Luke 8:11) remains our motto. From the coal mines of Pennsylvania to the villages of Slovakia

His Truth is marching on!