Our Founders

Tanya & Michael Mendakoff

Due to 70 years of Communism, families crumbled with no faith in God.  Russian streets became filled with homeless children, and Saint Petersburg orphanages were overflowing with orphans.  The Godless nation has demoralized itself.  Elderly are forced to beg for money, as pensions are not enough to survive and children are living on the streets, as many orphanages are overcrowded and underfunded.

SunErgos International, a ministry serving orphans, the refugee and the poor, was founded in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2003 by Michael and Tanya Mendakoff.

As a little girl, Tanya fled with her family from the Communist Regime to the US.  After graduating from Seattle Pacific University in 2001, she decided to serve in Russia and has been working with SunErgos International ever since.

Michael grew up in Saint Petersburg and became a Christian while studying at Med School.  After switching universities, he graduated with a degree in Theology and also chose to dedicate himself to serve orphans in the city.

Today, Michael and Tanya serve the fatherless, the refugee and the poor in Europe, partnering with local ministries in Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria and Spain.

SunErgos provides food, warmth and hope to the hurting families and at risk children in Europe.  Fellow Christians serve in unity to spread the Gospel and provide basic necessities to those in need.

SunErgos strives to make this world a little brighter and brings hope to those who have only experienced suffering.

 The Mendakoff Family raises their own support. Click here to support them financially.