The Rev. Nadia Adonai has embraced a new life in the United States, where she can practice her faith freely, a stark contrast to her upbringing in Baghdad, Iraq. Growing up as the daughter of an Assyrian father and a Georgian mother, her early experiences shaped her deep commitment to her Christian faith.
Nadia recalls early mornings with her grandmother, who would pray in their backyard, and family Bibles written in three languages: Aramaic, Arabic, and Latin. As an Orthodox Christian, she attended a local Catholic school connected to St. George Parish, where she learned not just about faith but also languages and the joy of community worship. Yet, as she grew older, the environment in Iraq shifted dramatically, leading to restrictions on religious expression.
During her teenage years, Nadia found joy in participating in worship teams, but the rise of Shia Islam made it increasingly difficult for Christians to openly share their beliefs. After studying television journalism, she built a successful career, earning accolades and reporting from various countries, including Dubai, Lebanon, and Russia. Despite her success, she faced growing challenges to her freedom, particularly during Ramadan when she was required to wear a hijab for a news segment.
“I started crying and praying, telling God, ‘I’m sorry; it’s not me,’” she recounted. As violence intensified in Iraq, many Christians fled or faced persecution, with only about 5 percent of the original Christian population remaining. After experiencing threats and bombings due to her faith, Nadia sought refuge in Moscow, where the legacy of Communist rule still impacted religious freedoms.
In 2014, after her final stint in television news, she relocated to the United States, marking a turning point. “When I came here, I became a pastor, and there was no more TV news,” she said. This shift allowed her to focus on her faith and serve others, renouncing her past and embracing a new identity with the name Adonai, which means “Lord” in Hebrew.
Nadia’s journey to citizenship in the United States in 2014 opened new doors for her ministry. She studied theology and obtained her pastoral certification, describing her new life as “a miracle from God.” She was captivated by the freedom to worship openly and share her beliefs without fear of persecution. “I saw freedom of religion, worship, and speech,” she said.
Pastor Nadia now leads a ministry that encompasses preaching at local churches, offering support in nursing homes, and conducting an online ministry aimed at Christians in regions with restricted religious practices. “I can do more for the people over there being here,” she noted, highlighting the success of her outreach efforts, which have resulted in conversions to Christianity.
Her faith deeply resonates with those she serves. Kim Rude, a member of Grace Communion International, praised Nadia’s inspiring faith and resilience. “She’s been through an awful lot — more than I can even imagine,” Rude said. Nadia brings both her culinary skills, sharing Middle Eastern dishes, and her spiritual insights to her community, creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Pastor Richard Siedschlag, who met Nadia through church activities, described her sermons as energetic and engaging. “Her message seems focused on God’s provision and protection — something she’s lived,” he said.
Today, Pastor Nadia emphasizes the importance of appreciating the freedoms enjoyed in the United States. “You have to thank the Lord for this country, to be thankful every day you have electricity, hot and cold water, food, and shelter,” she stated. Her mission is to spread hope, especially to those feeling trapped by addiction or homelessness, reminding them that redemption is always possible.
“Jesus is 24-7 available, and he never gives up on us,” she explained. By sharing her own experiences and the lessons learned throughout her journey, she inspires others to recognize the blessings of freedom and the power of faith. As she continues her ministry, Nadia remains dedicated to fulfilling the commandment to “go and make disciples” of all nations.
