One of the recent teaching activities at the ELCIR Theological Institute in Koltushi, Leningrad Oblast, was Module 1 of the ELCIR Diaconal Course on March 2, 2024. It gathered students from the ELCIR congregations in Kanneljärvi, Koltushi, Olonets, Steklyanny, and the churches of St. Mary and St. Anne in St. Petersburg.Rev. Ivan Hutter, Dean of the ELCIR St. Petersburg Deanery and senior pastor of St. George Lutheran in Koltushi, opened the course. The morning began with song and prayer. The lectures covered the following topics:
– the biblical basis for diaconal ministry
– work with elderly people
– social work and the state: collaboration opportunities and use of state resources to aid distressed people
Course coordinator Irina Makkonen would like to thank Anna Klassen, head of the ELCIR Mercy House in Koltushi, for the very meaningful and helpful information!
Glory be to God for all things!
