A letter from Joe and Hannah Kang in Russia
October 14, 2008
Zdrastvite, dorogoi brati i shostri! (How are you, dear Brothers and Sisters?)
Hannah and I would like to extend our warm greetings to you all from St. Petersburg, Russia. The weather has been very unusual so far this fall. The only cause of this unusually warm weather must be the global warming. We haven't had snow yet and are still enjoying a rather long autumn color.
The Kangs with Deb Burgess, who represented the PC(USA) at the 10th anniversary celebration of ELCROS.
This letter is a follow-up of our previous letter on the 10th anniversary of ELCROS (the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and Other States. All the graduates, former teachers, partner churches, and sponsors were invited for a three-day anniversary celebration. On Thursday, September 25, there were two separate meetings: in one, graduates met with one of the former presidents of the seminary to talk about their experiences and expectations; in the other, partner churches and sponsors met to review the past and present situation, and to project the future of theological education in Russia. Deb Burgess kindly took her time to represent PC(USA) throughout the celebration.
On Friday, there was a round-table talk among graduates, current students, and all the guests from partner churches. The participants shared both the joy and the pain of having been involved in building up theological education in this part of Russia during the last decade. It was also a time for everyone to see the many challenges the seminary is facing: financial stability and independence, recruiting good students, keeping the high standard of training, promoting a good relationship with regional churches, etc.
Ecumenical worship service celebrating the 10th anniversary of ELCROS, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and Other States.
The ecumenical worship service on Saturday was the highlight of the event. Guests from the Russian Orthodox Church, the Finnish Lutheran Theological Seminary, the State University of St. Petersburg, and local Lutheran congregations joined in the worship service. Two seminary workers received awards for their faithful service throughout these 10 years.
As an extension of this anniversary celebration, ELCROS is going to host an international theological conference for three days, beginning November 12, on the topic “Theology of Minority.” Joe is going to read a paper called “Testimonies of the minority and for the minority: A sociological perspective of the Bible.” A number of theologians from Germany, Eastern Europe, and local theological communities are expected to participate.
As the season of giving approaches, we would like to make a special request to our beloved friends. This Seminary is experiencing a serious budgetary deficit this fiscal year—more than $60,000 short of meeting all the needs, and seeks your generous contributions. Even a small gift for a scholarships will be greatly appreciated.
Contributions from individuals may be sent to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Individual Remittance Processing, PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. Contributions from churches should be sent to the normal receiving site or: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Church Remittance Processing, PO Box 643678, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3678. Write the title (ELCROS - Theological Seminary Students Scholarship) and the ECO number on the subject line (E051821) of the check. To give online, visit the donation page.
We are immensely grateful for your continuous prayer and support.
In this season of Thanksgiving and Advent, may the Lord of life grant all of you abundant blessings with good health and joy!
Dosvidanya! (Bye for now!)
Hannah and Joe Kang
The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 158
