Mikhail Lennikov has taken asylum in a Vancouver church since June. (CBC)

A Russian man trying to avoid deportation is urging the federal government to look past his involvement in the KGB, the former Soviet Union's feared secret police.

Mikhail Lennikov took sanctuary in a Lutheran church in East Vancouver in June after his application to stay in Canada was denied on security grounds.

Lennikov, 49, claimed he was a low-level translator with the KGB in the 1980s, and newly released documents show border and immigration officials are concerned he was involved in espionage.

But Lennikov — who entered Canada on a student visa in 1997 — said he's being unfairly judged simply because of his association with the KGB.

His wife, Irina, and son, Dmitri, were given permission to stay in Canada on compassionate grounds.

Grateful despite confinement

Lennikov said he is appreciative at this time of year for the limited access he has to his family.

"I personally, and my family, are infinitely grateful to our community, to our church, the First Lutheran, to all Canadians for their just overwhelming support," Lennikov said.

"That is what helps us to go through this very difficult time."

Lennikov said he has now gone through all 3,500 pages of federal government documents and said there is no evidence that he poses a danger to this country.

"I didn't find any kind of a clearcut indication that would say that I would be a threat to Canadian National Security."

Lennikov will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrating with his family and members of the congregation inside the Church.

"You know I am absolutely happy, even as limited as I am. I can still be part of my family and can still be of help, comfort and assistance to both my wife and my son," he said.

"My best greetings and wishes on Christmas ... to everybody."

With files from The Canadian Press