On Saturday, December 12, 2020, the church in Sortavala, Karelia, celebrated Pikkujoulu, “Little Christmas.” It’s a Finnish traditional party held to anticipate Christmas among colleagues, fellow-students, coworkers, and friends. Together, we sang a thanksgiving hymn and then ate the tastiest riisipuuro (a type of rice pudding) with kissel and … [Read more...]
Church Program for Unparented Children in Sortalava
On February 4, 2020, the ELCIR Congregation in Sortavala conducted a program for children from Center #7 for Children without Parental Care. Original news post in Russian at vk.com … [Read more...]
Book about Antero Paananen Presented in Finland
On January 19, 2020, in Jäppilä near Pieksämäki, Finland, journalist Aki Hietala held a presentation of his book, Sortavalasta Sortavalaan (“From Sortavala to Sortavala”) telling about the life and ministry of Rev. Antero Paananen in Sortavala, Republic of Karelia, Russian Federation. The attendance included church members from the Church of Ingria … [Read more...]
Youth Meeting in Sortavala
On January 25, 2020, the ELCIR congregation in Sortavala, Republic of Karelia, Russian Federation, hosted a youth meeting on the topic of The Presence of the Holy Spirit. The attendance included guests from Pitkyaranta, Hiidenselga, Läskelä (Russia) and Helsinki (Finland). Photo credits: Rev. Oleg Menaker. Original news post in Russian at … [Read more...]