The congratulatory speech of Mr. Vladimir Ivanov, Chief of the Office for Relations with Religious Associations of the St. Petersburg Governor’s Administration, said at St. Mary’s Lutheran Cathedral, St. Petersburg, on February 9, 2020:

“Dear Ivan Sergeyevich, please allow me to extend cordial greetings on behalf of Governor of St. Petersburg Mr. Alexander Beglov in connection with your taking the office of the head of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria! The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria is more than 400 years old, its history is part of the history of Russia. Preservation of this historical heritage is a shared task of the Church and of the government of St. Petersburg. These words are preceded by years of our partnership. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria is a standing participant in interconfessional and state & religion dialog on the banks of the Neva River. The Governor expressed his confidence that based on this foundation of our good relationship you will be able to continue to develop it. Please allow me to wish you bodily and spiritual strength for your important and sublime ministry!”

Photo credits: Liliann Keskinen