Some of the local believers affiliated with The Church of Ingria live in the capital city Ulan-Ude while others are scattered on the territory of the republic. A female church member and another lady who is not confirmed, but sometimes attends worship live in Arshan, Tunkinsky District. Two ladies who were baptized by the congregation’s senior pastor Rev. Vladimir Nikiforov live in Zhemchug. A lady was baptized in Zun-Murino. The pastor has been visiting two people in Khorinsk, Khorinsky District. Deacon Aleksandr’s mother lives not far from Ulan-Ude.
The Congregation in Ulan-Ude has an internet chat room for the churchgoers to keep in touch with one another. The church also publishes a newsletter that is put up on the wall. In Zhemchug, the believers get together for prayer in person or have fellowship by phone.
The latest highlight of the local church’s life was the installation of Deacon Aleksandr Dyshenov for service in the congregation on August 9, 2020. He was ordained as a deacon on October 19, 2019, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in St. Petersburg.
Information and photo credits: Anitta Lepomaa, public relations secretary, Congregation in Ulan-Ude.