Alpin PopNikolov

Born and raised in North Macedonia, Alpin PopNikolov moved to Blacksburg with his family in 2021. He and his wife Beth, have two boys, Elian and Forest. Looking for a church rooted in the Great Tradition, they made The River their home.

Alpin did not grow up as a Christian. In the late '90s, after falling into a very destructive lifestyle, he had a powerful conversion experience and fell in love with Jesus. Soon after, he began serving in his local church, traveling around the country, and planting small house churches.

In 2003, together with a few friends, he started a church in the capital of North Macedonia that focused particularly on reaching young people. The church was part of 24-7 Prayer Movement. He led and pastored this community until his move to the States.

Alpin is convinced that a healthy church is the best community in the world—a place where a person can find true meaning, purpose, and healing while being formed in the image of Christ, the fullness of human life.

He loves art, nature and beauty, treating his life as a pure wonder.

When he is not cooking, running after his kids, or nerding out over a good theological book, he can be found on local gravel trails and roads. He loves riding his bikes while listening to podcasts or good music, always with a smile on his face.