Samara
On September 13th guests
(local and from among partners in Stuttgart) and congregational
members gathered together in St. George church for a special event -
the 150th anniversary of the church's dedication, which took place on
September 26, 1865.
But that wasn't the only
reason to come together for celebration - it was also the 200th
birthday of the Governor of the Samara region, Constantine Karlovich
Grot, the founder of St. George congregation. While the church choir
sang the oldest member of the congregation, lay preacher Andrey
Dubitsky, dedicated the Grot memorial plaque with the following quote
from the Bible as a message to the citizens of Samara: "But seek
the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to
the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your
welfare."
The Minister of Culture of
the Samara Oblast Sergei Filippov said that the church and the
congregation are important elements of the makeup of the city and the
region. The representative from the city administration wished the
congregation well, and then a representative from Stuttgart's
government, Isabel Fezler, passed on greetings (in Russian! This was
a pleasant surprise) as well. Pastor Olga Temirbulatova
gave Ms. Fezler grapes from the vine they planted together in 2012.
The Orthodox priest Father
Vitaly, a long-time friend of St. George Church, emphasized the
current cooperation between the Orthodox Church in Samara and St.
George church in the area of diaconal work. It was also a joy to hear
the words of greeting from Pastor Viktor Ryaguzov from the Baptist
church. The congregation in Tolyatti gave as a gift an angel (made by
children with developmental disabilities). The children also
participated in the worship service. After worship there was a small
concert by organist Kye Johannsen. Although there were only a few
songs played, those who listened were able to enjoy the wonderful
music of a professional who loves his instrument.
The celebrations came to
an end after tea time, during which congregational members and guests
shared their impressions. Afterwards many people went to the Volga
embankment to join in the city-wide celebrations of Samara's city
day.
Anna Gamazina
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