New Church Buildings
The Russian government is returning church buildings or land to Lutheran churches, but with the stipulation that they be rebuilt in a fixed period of time — there simply aren't resources to do that. Rebuilding or replacing these buildings is of particular importance because religious groups meeting without a building risk being “labeled” a cult, which curtails outreach opportunities.
Our synod churches with help from other Lutheran churches have contributed $170,000 to help build an Education Center and new church building in Petrozavodsk in the Republic of Karelia, which was completed in September, 2011. Churches in our synod partnered to help build a small new church at Birsk in the Ural Deanery. Participants in a 2007 Mission Tour partnered with the Laestadian Finns of Finland to build a new church building in Läskelä.
A current new initiative by the Companion Synod Task Force is to provide opportunity for churches or individuals to help build a modest new church building in the city of Cheboksary, a city in the Ural Deanery on the Volga River. This is a new congregation, Lutheran Church of St. Luke the Evangelist, pastored by Konstantin Subbotin, one of the group of younger clergy in the ELCIR who has helped develop the Spirit-led vision for the future of the ELCIR; Pastor Subbotin also serves as Dean of the Ural Deanery. As noted above, unlike in the U.S., a church building is essential for being viewed as a legitimate “Church.” The cost is $120,000 – if you or your church feel called to contribute to this initiative, contact the Synod office for details (218-724-4424).
Our synod churches with help from other Lutheran churches have contributed $170,000 to help build an Education Center and new church building in Petrozavodsk in the Republic of Karelia, which was completed in September, 2011. Churches in our synod partnered to help build a small new church at Birsk in the Ural Deanery. Participants in a 2007 Mission Tour partnered with the Laestadian Finns of Finland to build a new church building in Läskelä.
A current new initiative by the Companion Synod Task Force is to provide opportunity for churches or individuals to help build a modest new church building in the city of Cheboksary, a city in the Ural Deanery on the Volga River. This is a new congregation, Lutheran Church of St. Luke the Evangelist, pastored by Konstantin Subbotin, one of the group of younger clergy in the ELCIR who has helped develop the Spirit-led vision for the future of the ELCIR; Pastor Subbotin also serves as Dean of the Ural Deanery. As noted above, unlike in the U.S., a church building is essential for being viewed as a legitimate “Church.” The cost is $120,000 – if you or your church feel called to contribute to this initiative, contact the Synod office for details (218-724-4424).
One of the greatest needs in the ELCIR is trained workers. Our synod has contributed $170,000 to help build an Education Center and new church building in Petrozavodsk in the Republic of Karelia, which was completed in September, 2011. Other churches in our synod partnered to help build a small new church at Birsk in the Ural Deanery. Participants in a 2007 Mission Tour partnered with the Laestadian Finns of Finland to build a new church building in Läskelä. The Russian government is returning church buildings or land to Lutheran churches, but with the stipulation that they be rebuilt in a fixed period of time - there simply aren't resources to do that. A building is needed for a church to avoid being labeled a cult.
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