Rev. Dean Olav Panchu represented the ELCIR Volga Deanery and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Saratov at the gala celebration of the 85th anniversary of Saratov Oblast. In his speech, Oblast Governor Valeri Radayev noted the great achievements of the oblast’s residents in the past years and conferred awards. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, and Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council, sent their greetings for the region’s residents.