On August 18, 2022, Natalia Troshina, minister of domestic politics and social relations in the Saratov Oblast government, sent a letter of greetings to Rev. Olav Panchu, dean of the ELCIR Volga Deanery, senior pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Congregation of Saratov, for the 20th anniversary of his ordination into the Office of Pastor.English translation:
“Very Reverend Dean,
“With this letter I would like to express to you my best wishes for the 20th anniversary of your pastoral ordination!
“We know you as a respected spiritual leader and authority making a significant contribution to a harmonious dialog of religions and enhancing the religious and cultural life of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria.
“You help preserve spiritual and moral values, revive and strengthen the ideals of peace, and consolidate all good forces to achieve civil concord. This is priceless.
“Members of the religious organization under your wise leadership do a lot to help edify our fellow-citizens on the ideals of good, justice, mercy and neighborly love and strengthen interethnic and interconfessional peace and concord in our region.
“May your service for the good of Saratov Oblast continue to be successful!
“I wish you good health, a long life, and inexhaustible energy!
“Sincerely,
Minister Natalia Troshina”