Artash Andriasov
Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Artash is the co-worker of Igor Egirev and Eileen Emch in Rostov-on-Don. He was born in 1986 to Armenian parents, refugees who had fled to Baky, Azerbajan, a city overlooking the Caspian Sea. During his youth, his family moved several times between Armenia, Azerbajan and Turkmenistan, all Republics of the former Soviet Union. They settled in Komishen, Russia.
When Artash was 13, his family visited the Church of Christ at the invitation of a friend they had known in Baky, Azerbajan. Two years later, Artash became a Christian. As a teenager, Artash trained to be a tailor. He worked as a tailor, security guard, and disc jockey. He also began to seriously study the Bible and to preach when given the opportunity. He studied with his mother and sister who became Christians.
In 2002, Artash moved to Syktofkar to study at the school of preaching. There he met Dub Hill, the father of Mary Beth Gallemore of Prestoncrest, who encouraged him in his preaching. On a school break, Artash attended the Russian Singing School in Rostov. He met Igor Egirev who encouraged him to complete his schooling and to return to Rostov to work with the Church. In October, Artash did return to Rostov and is now active in teaching mid-week classes, working with young people and preaching.