The Seminary celebrated its 10th anniversary from September 25 to 27. Graduates had the opportunity to see one another and to learn from each others' experience in parish life during their 2-day seminar. Many partners of the Seminary had a chance to get personally acquainted with the fruits of their labors when they spoke with current students and graduates. On Saturday the 27th there was a round table for all the anniversary's participants during which we spoke about what theological education has meant for those who received it and what paths might be in front of the Seminary in the future. The celebrations were concluded with a worship service during which many guests shared a word of greeting, followed by a wonderful banquet.

Two LENS Board members, Joan Krodel and Pastor George Evans, traveled to St. Petersburg to participate in the 10th Anniversary celebration. Below please find their reports:

Joan Krodel:  Pastor George Evans and I had a most rewarding and pleasant visit at Novosaratovka Seminary from Sept. 26-28.  The meetings on Friday were long and serious, and included representatives from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany and the ELCA as well as the rector, Anton Tikhomirov, and the business manager of the seminary and we were made aware of the actual situation of the seminary--both good and not so good. The financial situation remains serious and funds for support continue to be needed. We were encouraged by Anton's example of leadership and by the commitment demonstrated by all those present. The service of anniversary celebration on Saturday was moving and uplifting.  Participants included a representative of the Orthodox Church who read one of the lessons. It was remarkable to participate with students past and present and to share & give; their enthusiasm for what they had learned and experienced at the Seminary. Their dedication and that of their teachers is amazing. On Sunday we were able to join in the worship service at the Lutheran Cathedral Church of St. Peter, as they installed their new pastor. An excellent brass choir accompanied the worship, yet another wonderful experience. The two services were conducted in Russian, German and English and required the assistance of several translators. It was inspiring to hear voices raised in the singing of the hymns in all three languages at the same time. For me, it was an exceptional experience--to see the fruition of the work that my husband, Gerhard, had carried on in raising the funds for the purchase of the seminary building and for its renovation and for the building of the Kaethe Luther House, which contains faculty apartments and offices. The complex is beautiful, efficient and a lively center for theological education in the Russian Lutheran Church.

Pastor George Evans:  Joan's brief summary is on target. The meeting with all the announced attendees present was an excellent one. Archbishop Ratz is very able. Anton and he were excellent hosts and managers of the meeting. The seminary is not only there it is obviously effective and growing more so. They are energized and active in their work. The faculty is effective and they work diligently to have adjunct instructors such as Milton Ost and Dan Biles. Anton as the leader of the seminary and administrator is responsible. The problems are equally real and serious. The large one is obviously money with only the beginning, a bare beginning, of support from the regional churches across ELCROS. The support of the regional churches must grow and it showed. Part of the good news is the growing acceptance of the seminary made clear by bishops who were once vocal critics sending students into the programs. Anton and the Archbishop have reached out and made a difference. Our time in Russia was well spent. All of us should be assured of the seminary is worth and its future.

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