By Rev. Konstantin Subbotin, the congregation’s minister

 

Lutheran congregations existed in Chuvashia among the few Germans who lived here but never built a church. In the 1990’s, missionary from Finland Juha Väliaho was one of the first who proclaimed the Gospel here. It is through his work that St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Cheboksary, the capital city of the Chuvash Republic, still exists.

 

The congregation has since become a city landmark of sorts as a well-known spiritual and cultural venue. Besides celebrating regular worship services and holding Bible studies, St. Luke’s congregation regularly teaches Basics of Christian Faith course to people who have disabilities, holds seminars, music concerts, lectures, a language and cinema art clubs. The Christian Volunteer League, a youth volunteer team working in association with the congregation, helps with various projects at children’s homes.

 

Bishop of The Church of Ingria Ivan Laptev has brought St. Luke’s a long-awaited good news: the design plan for a Lutheran church building in Cheboksary is ready! What is more, the city administration says it’s willing to provide land for the church building on a free-use basis. Currently, St. Luke’s is renting space with its own funds, without outside help. This means that the congregation would be able to keep up this small church building which can hold up to 150 people (click picture at left). The church members ask you to keep the project in your prayers and assist the construction of the church as you can.