Visitation to Congregations in the Northern Caucuses

On November 6-8 Dean of the Northern Caucuses Sergey Maramzin visited a number of congregations of his region – Labinsk, Stavropol, Cherkessk, Pyatigorsk, Maisky, Prokhladny and Georgievsk. He led worship in these places and also performed baptisms; in addition, he met with representatives of regional government and with those people who are interested in cooperating with our church. “What made me particularly happy during this trip was that a number of people decided to be baptized and to have their children baptized. In these days a strong foundation was laid for the work of the Lutheran Church in the Northern Caucuses,” the Dean said at the conclusion of his visitation.

Lutheran Spring 2014

Novomikhailovka, Russia
  From May 28 to June 1 in the village of Novomikhailovka near Tuapse Oswald Wutzke led a seminar “Lutheran Spring 2014” for staff of the congregations of the Northern Caucuses deanery of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Most of the congregations of the region were represented there – Cherkessk, Kislovodsk, Krasnodar, Vladikavkaz, Maikop, Krimsk, Novomikhailovsk as well as guests from Kazan and from the Republic of Moldova.
  Lessons were led by Oswald Wutzke, Pastor David Gorn and Pastor Sergei Maramzin. Participants had an opportunity not only to deepen their understanding, but also to share with one another information about the life of their congregations, to discuss practical questions and to just enjoy one another's company on a boat ride. On the last day of the seminar the priest of the local Armenian Orthodox congregation allowed the group to hold a Lutheran worship service in their building. Pastor Wutzke gave the sermon about 3 simple but important words for every Christian - “thanks,” “please,” and “sorry” - and the importance of using these words in everyday life.

Only God Elects

Cherkessk, Russia
  Scattered villages, shepherds herding sheep on the alpine meadows of the Caucuses – it is a special world. The road to Cherkessk follows alongside the Great Caucasian mountain chain. Any traveler who follows this route is overwhelmed by the beauty and wonder of the mountain landscape. At the same time the silhouettes shining in the sun of industrial buildings speak to the harmonious relationship between modern technology and nature. On May 2nd the pastor of the Krasnodar congregation, Sergei Maramzin, visited the Lutheran congregation in Cheressk in the Karchay-Cherkesskia region of Russia. The church council president met the pastor even before the latter entered the city, helping the new pastor feel at home. Pastor Maramzin led worship with Holy Communion, and during the sermon each of the congregation members told their own story of faith. Each of them was different, but they agreed on one thing – only God elects and brings people to Church; a person cannot make the right decision by himself. The congregation members took the initiative and made a monetary offering to the work of the Northern Caucuses deanery. After worship everyone was invited to tea, and this gave the visiting pastor and the congregation time to get acquainted. According to the traditions of the mountains there were frequent interruptions for people to give short speeches, to say kind words, to sing a song. Despite the lack of musical accompaniment, the congregation is full of singers, capable of multi-part harmonious song. Unfortunately the congregation still struggles without a regular pastor, confirmation lessons or closer contacts with the larger Evangelical Lutheran Church. The congregation there has potential for further growth, both spiritually and numerically. “I'm not sure if I was able to help the congregation, but the people there helped me understand some important aspects of Christian faith.” With these words Pastor Maramzin set off for home, while the congregation wished him a safe trip and that he come back soon.