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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment