Paul Chayka

On August 6th, 2021 at the age of 65 after battling cancer for three years, God called his faithful servant, our beloved brother, husband, father and grandfather into his Heavenly Kingdom.

Paul Simenovich Chayka was born on May 21st, 1956 in the city of Dnetropetrovsk, Ukraine. He was born into a Christian family as the second oldest out of 10 children to parents Simon Pavlovich Chayka and Ekaterina Danilovna Chayka. The family had seven sons and three daughters including two sets of twins.

In 1962 the Chayka family moved to Visokopolie, Ukraine. Growing up in a poor family created a challenging childhood for Paul and his siblings. It revolved around hard work on the farm and helping parents take care of younger brothers and sisters. As a child, Paul had very little free time to play because older children were expected to help parents with gardening and raising cattle in order to survive.

In 1963, Paul started attending school and was a very enthusiastic learner. He was especially good at World History and Geography. Since Paul attended school during religious persecution, receiving good grades was almost impossible. The education system often singled out those who had faith in God by lowering grades on purpose and limiting higher education.

In 1971, he graduated high school at the age of 15. With his family growing larger, he was encouraged to leave home due to lack of space in the small family home. He moved back to Dnepropetrovsk with his older brother and studied electrical engineering at a technical college for 2 years graduating with Honors. In 1973 he got a job as an engineer at an electrical appliance company.

From a very young age, Paul loved Jesus and His word and wholeheartedly dedicated his whole life to God. He attended church regularly and had an active church life participating enthusiastically in everything he could. He always went to youth gatherings and played many different instruments in the orchestra.

From 1974-1976 he was drafted into the military and served in Orendyrgursk, Russia. In 1981, Paul was baptized and became a member in the local church.

On September 27, 1981, Paul married Nataliya Sinyakova, who was also a member of his church. In July of 1982, they welcomed their first daughter Inna and in December of 1984 they welcomed their second child, son Andrey.

Throughout the years, Paul carried different services in the church. He was a youth leader, music director, and Bible Study leader. He always shared the gospel with others and prepared youth for baptism.

In the year 1996 Paul, his wife and children immigrated to California, United States. In 1997 they welcomed their third child, daughter Kristen. In 1998 Paul was ordained to serve as a deacon in Fresno, California.

In the year 2000, the family moved to South Carolina, where Paul was in charge of a small church group. In 2012 he became a pastor where he carried out his pastoral duties until he was no longer able to, due to his health condition. Paul continued to direct the choir and served the church in every possible way. Throughout the years he baptized, married and blessed many children.

Living in the US Paul worked for many different companies to support his family. For around twenty years, while residing in South Carolina, he was employed at Hershberger Cabinets as a cabinetmaker.

In the past 15 years, Paul’s family grew bigger with an addition of another son and daughter followed by seven grandchildren whom he loved dearly and always awaited and welcomed with open arms.

Paul will forever stay in our hearts as loving husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and loyal friend. We will always remember him as a wise advisor, who was always ready to help in any difficult situation. We will
continue to love and cherish our memories of him and look forward to meeting again in heaven.

“…Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them.” Revelation 14:13.

The family will receive friends 10:00AM - 11:00AM, Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Harris Funeral Home, Abbeville Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 11:30AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Chayka family.