Conference addresses 120 years of Methodism in Russia
Sergei Pugachev
Sergei Nikolaev (left) , Fr. Avgustin (Nikitin), and Elena Stepanova lead a discussion regarding the past, present and future of Russian Methodism. A digital archive of Russian Methodist history is being created through a joint project of the Boston University School of Theology and the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow.
The project was announced during a recent international academic conference on "Breaks and Links: Past, Present, and Future of Russian Methodism," sponsored by the Russian seminary, The United Methodist Church in Eurasia and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The conference was held Oct. 1-3 at the Moscow Methodist House, and was the first academic conference ever dedicated to the study of Russian Methodism.
The first item for the archive is a photo album in the form of an annual missions report by the Russian Methodist Pastor Konstantin Egoroff, who was ordained by Bishop Ainsworth of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for mission work in Kharbin in 1926.
This document was made available by Dr. Dana L. Robert, Truman Collins Professor of World Christianity and History of Mission from Boston School of Theology, out of her own collection of documents on early Russian Methodism.
“The purpose of reconstructing the historical memory and identity of Methodism in Russia in the past is to strengthen the foundation of the present and future Russian Methodist identity,” said Dr. Sergei Nikolaev, president of the seminary in Moscow and a member of GBHEM’s board of directors.
Fr. Avgustin (Nikitin), left, and Sergei Nikolaev at an academic conference in Moscow on Oct. 1-3. |
The conference was held in conjunction with celebration of the 120th anniversary of Methodism in Russia. Scholars presented their papers in person, through video presentations, or by having someone at the conference read their work.
Bishop Hans Växby delivered his greetings to the conference, and Dr. Henk Pieterse represented the General Board of Higher Education in Ministry. GBHEM is providing funds to publish selected presentations from this conference in two separate volumes, one in Russian and one in English.
Dr. Sergei V. Nikolaev, Fr. Avgustin (Nikitin), and Dr. Elena A. Stepanova, led a panel discussion regarding the past, present, and future of Russian Methodism.
Presentations at the conference included:
- “From the Line to the Plain: Methodism and Orthodoxy in Russia,” by Dr. Sergei V. Nikolaev.
- “Lessons of Early Russian Methodism and Their Importance for the Present and Future of the Church in Russia,” by Dr. S. T. Kimbrough, Jr.
- “The Pastors of Russian Methodism in Harbin, Manchuria, 1923,” by Dr. Dana L. Robert.
- “Orthodoxy and Methodism in Russia,” by Fr. Avgustin (Nikitin).
- “Methodism: Liberal Protestant Confession on Russian Soil,” by Dr. M. A. Zherebyatiev.
- “Revival of the Spirit of Revival: The Place of Methodism in Russia,” by Dr. E. A. Stepanova.
An ecumenical celebration of the 120th anniversary of Methodism in Russia held after the conference included representatives of different denominations in Russia as well as United Methodist international representatives who extended their greetings and congratulations.
*Pugachev is director of communications, The United Methodist Church in Eurasia. Date: 10/23/2009 12:00:00 AM
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