On November 15, 2023, the Moscow International Business Center, a.k.a. Moscow-City, hosted this year’s Russian National Prayer Breakfast organized with the support of the Presidential Administration of Russia. The ELCIR is one of the founders and organizers of this large-scale event which gathered Christians of different denominations, politicians and civil society activists, businesspeople, diplomats and government officials. The main topics were spiritual peacemaking and people’s diplomacy, creative activities as a ministry, and mission through arts and education.The ELCIR was represented by ELCIR Bishop Ivan Laptev, ELCIR Chief Secretary Yevgeni Raskatov, Pastor Juha Saari and a team from Zerno Art Group based at St. Anne’s Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg (Annenkirche). They were responsible for the subpanel on arts and education, facilitated a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Mission through Arts and Education” and presented their missionary art projects. Also, the NPB participants had a chance to enjoy a short music recital and a contemporary Christian art exhibition, which were prepared by Zerno Art Group.
Such events as the National Prayer Breakfast help develop and strengthen unity, peace and harmony in society and remind us of the most important Christian and human values. Praised be God for this opportunity to reach out with the Good News to a large audience, raise relevant issues and share experiences!
