From February 18-25, 2020, Rev. Yrjö Niemi, Rev. Albert Mazurenko, and translator Berta Chepurnaya traveled again in the Irkutsk Oblast in Eastern Siberia and the Republic of Buryatia.
– On February 18, they traveled to Tulun, 450 km from Irkutsk, and spent several days delivering aid to residents of the Tulun District who had suffered from the flood in 2019. This time they managed to assist those who for various reasons had not received a compensation from the state. As a result of their effort, more than 100 people received physical assistance.
– On February 21, they arrived in Sayansk and prayed together with the members of the ELCIR religious group in Sayansk.
– On February 22, they traveled to Novolenino, Nukutsky District, where the pastors celebrated a communion worship service for the local church members.
– On February 23, the two clergymen celebrated a communion worship service at St. Mary’s Lutheran Congregation in Irkutsk.
– On February 24, they arrived in Arshan, Buryatia, and traveled on to the villages of Akhalik and Tunka, meeting with Lutheran believers and administering Holy Communion. On the following day, they returned to Irkutsk. During the entire trip they traveled a total of 2000+ km.
– On February 26, they participated in an international forum for interethnic unity, The Irkutsk Oblast: a Territory of Peace and Concord. The forum opened with greetings and presentations at a plenary meeting. In the afternoon, the forum continued in four focus areas. Pastors Niemi and Mazurenko with their translator made a presentation in the Social Ministry of Religious Associations section where they spoke about the social focus of The Church of Ingria.
Source: Rev. Albert Mazurenko, senior pastor, Congregation in Irkutsk.
In second photo, center: Mr. Igor Kobzev, Acting Governor of the Irkutsk Oblast (international forum)
Photo credits: Albert Mazurenko