Volgograd
From
September 18-20 the Lutheran congregation in Volgograd celebrated a
triple anniversary - 250 years from the moment of the founding of the
only colony of the Moravian Brotherhood in Russia - "Sarepta;"
25 years from the moment of the rebirth of the Lutheran congregation
in Volgograd and 10 years since the organ was installed in the
church. The congregation as well as the local community organization
the "Center of German Culture" and the "Old Sarepta"
historical museum took part in the celebrations.
There
were many guests from near and far at the celebration. Honored guests
who gave their greetings included: ELC Archbishop Dietrich Brauer,
Pastor Dietrich Hallmann and his wife Dorotea, who served in the
congregation from 2000 to 2006, Karla Langerfeld - a pastor descended
from a line of Moravian pastors in the 7th generation, partners of
the German cultural center from city of Fuld (Germany), a
representative of the International Union of German Culture, a
representative of the German embassy in Moscow, the Minister of
Culture in the Volgograd Oblast and the Vice-Chair of the Government
of the Volgograd Oblast.
Other
congregations in the Lower Volga Deanery also took part - Kamyshin,
Elista and the village of Lebyazhiy.
The
event was opened by the laying of a time capsule with wishes of peace
and good will to those who will open it 50 years from now. Two
descendants of the Sarepta colony lead this memorable event.
On
September 19th the Pastor of the congregation Oleg Schtulberg was
married in the church with his wife Tatyana; the wedding was
officiated by Pastor Dietrich Hallmann.
On a
sunny Sunday morning members of the congregation and guests gathered
for worship, where Archbishop Dietrich Brauer preached. He also took
part in the celebratory events related to the anniversary of Sarepta.
Finally
in these days there was a meeting of the deanery with partners from
the Berlin Mission.
Tatyana
Schtulberg
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