Russian Orthodox congregation formedThe Valley's first Russian Orthodox Jewish congregation is set to open its doors at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 26, with an open house. The congregation has been organized by Boruchai and Raya Davrayev, who have received city permits to establish worship facilities in their home at 2609 W. McLellan Blvd. in Phoenix.The Bucharian Russian congregation will begin holding services the following Friday, May 1, and will conduct regular Friday and Saturday services, said Raya Davrayev. Services are being led by teachers Michael Maxumov and Yakov Abramov, who are recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Davrayev said. Davrayev said she and her husband, who own a grocery market in northwest Phoenix, are originally from Russia and have been Valley residents for about two years. They moved to Phoenix from Long Island, N.Y., where they lived for 13 years. "Nobody was on Long Island to make use of a synagogue like this. Here in Phoenix, we believe there will be many people joining us," she said. Davrayev said she has been told there are up to 200 Russian immigrant families in the Valley who could potentially join the congregation. She said the new congregation plans to raise money to eventually set up a synagogue at another location. The congregation has about 25 inaugural members, and the home can accommodate up to 90 people. Davarayev said the congregation also is seeking help in acquiring a Torah ark, prayer books and other supplies. For more information, contact the Davrayevs at 331-4821 or 864-2459. |