Ukrainian Seminary damaged in recent strikes

UKRAINE – The seminary of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) in Odessa was damaged during recent missile strikes on the city.

“We recently received heart wrenching news and pictures from our missionary in Ukraine, Rev. Olexsiy Navrotskyy,” noted Rev. Mark L. Smith, Director of Missions for Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). “On July 18 and 19, Russia launched missile strikes in and around Odessa and Nikolaev. One missile landed only a few yards from the seminary in Odessa and caused damage to the building. Thankfully, no one was injured.”

“One missile landed only a few yards from the seminary in Odessa and caused damage to the building. Thankfully, no one was injured.”

LCC has been active in Ukraine since 1993. The Canadian church funded the building of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Odessa and continues to cover the costs of the seminary program thanks to the support of LCC auxiliaries Lutheran Women’s Missionary League – Canada and Concordia Lutheran Mission Society.

Since the advent of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, LCC has raised $763,961.28 to support the relief efforts of SELCU.

“The damage to the seminary is still being assessed,” noted Rev. Smith. “Although the strike caused cracks in the building, as well as extensive damage to windows and doors, we are grateful that no one was hurt and are prayerful that there are no major foundational problems to the building.”

“Although the strike caused cracks in the building, as well as extensive damage to windows and doors, we are grateful that no one was hurt and are prayerful that there are no major foundational problems to the building.”

LCC requests its members to continue to keep SELCU and the people of Ukraine in prayer.

Lord God, Heavenly Father, we pray for Your people in Ukraine, especially those impacted by the recent strikes in Odessa and Nikolaev. Comfort Your faithful with the peace that only You can bring during these difficult days. Watch over and strengthen Your Church there so that she may continue to shine the Light of Christ in the darkness of this world and provide ministry to all those in need of Your Life-giving Gospel. Bless all the servants of Your Church so that they may continue to provide care to those You place before them. And, if it be Your will, bring a quick end to this war so that peace and security may prevail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

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