LCC on the Road: Seminary teaching in Ukraine
New seminary building in Ukraine
Reflections teaching overseas
by Edward Kettner
I arrived in Odessa on Monday, November 28. This is my fourth trip to Ukraine on behalf of LCC, and my third trip to teach seminary students. The first thing I noticed was how much easier it is to get through customs than it has been in the past. There are no longer any complicated forms to fill out; you simply show your passport and answer a few questions.
I was met at the airport by Oleg Schewtschenko, one of the pastors at the church in Odessa. Oleg was a member of the first class I taught, back in 1999. Oleg also spent several years studying in St. Catharines, so his command of English and his knowledge of Lutheran theology are excellent. In fact, he taught two courses in the previous term at the seminary.
I was taken directly to the seminary. The new building is an excellent facility. The apartment for visiting faculty is quite comfortable and the class room space is quite nice. There is also a dining room and a kitchen, where the cook prepares all of the meals for the weekdays and leaves food prepared for the students for the weekend. Though the faculty apartment has kitchen facilities, I ate all my meals with the students. The cook, Larissa, considers herself “mom” to the students, and no one goes away hungry.
I started teaching on Tuesday, and found myself quickly in conversation with the students – albeit through an interpreter. This was Irina’s first time interpreting for the seminary, and she did a fine job. I always find it a challenge (in a good way) to make sure that the students are clear about what I want them to know and are following the arguments. There are always questions, as the students are eager learners.
- Dr. Kettner (center) poses with seminary students and translator
On both Sundays I was here I had the privilege of preaching to the congregation in Odessa. Preaching on theme of Advent expectation was a real joy. There is always more than one sermon during the usual Sunday service, and that was the case on these days. On the first Sunday (Advent 2) I was joined by Oleg. On the second Sunday (Advent 3) two of the students also preached.
In the evening of the second Sunday, several of us went to see the Bolshoi Ballet dance The Nutcracker at the Odessa Opera House, which was a real treat. It was an opportunity to experience real Ukrainian culture.
As always, the experience was excellent, the students are being prepared for ministry, and I rejoice at the privilege of assisting our friends in Ukraine to prepare faithful pastors for their church and their society.
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Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner is Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton.
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