HISTORY OF THE ST. MARTIN OF TOURS CONGREGATION
Our Evangelical Lutheran parish of St. Martin of Tours was founded in 2019. The congregation celebrates its birthday on November 11 — the Day of St. Martin, Bishop of Tours (Italy), the patron saint of the parish. According to church tradition, St. Martin is considered the first Christian chaplain. A well-known legend tells that he gave part of his Roman cloak (Lat.: cappa) to a freezing and hungry beggar.
The name of the congregation reflects the value of social mercy and the diaconal character of its ministry. The parish actively engages in charitable works and social justice initiatives in the region. Many members participate in ministries for the homeless and the elderly through the public organization «House of Mercy – Kyiv».
The parish brings together youth and elderly, civilians and military personnel, residents of Kyiv, surrounding areas, and internally displaced persons. Since its founding, the congregation has been part of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine (GELCU) — a historic Protestant Church in Ukraine.
At first, confirmation and church membership were primarily received by people from vulnerable social groups, for whom denominational affiliation was secondary, and the main goal was to live a Christian life and receive the Gospel. Today, more and more members join with a conscious interest in Lutheran theology and liturgical tradition.
The congregation actively responds to social and political events in Ukraine. Since the full-scale Russian aggression began, members have followed the principle: «Either you serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, or you support the Defense Forces». Some members are military personnel, while others provide diverse support to Ukraine’s defenders.
Currently, the congregation holds services and activities in two locations. In Kyiv, at the chapel of the Tavriysky Christian Institute (28 Khorolska Street, 4th floor), where Holy Liturgy, Bible studies, confirmation classes, and prayer meetings take place. In Pohreby, a suburb of Kyiv, at the St. Martin of Tours Chapel, where festive services are celebrated. Pastors and parish members also organize Word services and Bible studies at social centers of «House of Mercy – Kyiv».
Notable Moments in the Congregation’s History
- An 88-year-old parishioner was baptized and confirmed at the age of 83;
- Elderly members actively contributed to making trench candles for Ukraine’s defenders;
- During the first months of the full-scale war, part of the congregation, led by Deacon Serhiy Berezin, was under occupation in Andriivka (Makaryv district, Kyiv region). After the shelter and chapel were destroyed, services were held outdoors and in a cellar;
- Later, almost the entire congregation evacuated to Ivano-Frankivsk, where they participated in joint services with the Reformed Evangelical Congregation of the Holy Trinity.
