On 21 May, we took a major step forward in modernising our church sound system. Both the mixing console and the wireless microphones are now digital and offer a range of additional possibilities for different uses. The lectern microphones still need to be replaced, followed later by the loudspeakers on the church walls. The photograph…

Today Jüri Trei, chairman of the Estonian Flag Society, installed a photographic exhibition at St Elizabeth’s Church offering a view of the history of Victory Day celebrations in Estonia since the restoration of independence. The exhibition is a beautiful introduction to the forthcoming celebrations. Special attention is given to Pärnu, which is hosting the Victory…

In today’s Gospel (Luke 16:19–31), the Saviour places two contrasting figures before us. On one side is a rich man who feasts lavishly throughout his life, wears the most expensive clothes and consumes the costliest foods. He seems to be one of those who work very hard to ensure that when people look at them,…

The memorial flame lit and blessed at Tori Church, and the ancient flame lit in Pärnu by members of the Young Eagles, have arrived at St Elizabeth’s Church for the night. Tomorrow morning, 23 June, the President of the Republic will unite them at Alevi Cemetery to form the Victory Flame, which will then be…

At the evening Mass on Sunday, 22 June, Bishop Anti Toplaan of the EELC Diocese of Saare-Lääne installed the Revd Joel Pulk as assistant pastor of Pärnu St Elizabeth’s Parish. The Revd Pulk had been ordained at Tallinn Cathedral on Ascension Day. The bishop was assisted by Archbishop Emeritus Andres Põder, a former pastor of…

An ecumenical service for Victory Day was held at St Elizabeth’s Church in Pärnu on 23 June. Bishop Anti Toplaan preached. Those serving were His Grace Aleksander, Bishop of Pärnu and Saare of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church; Toomas Nigola, pastor of Pärnu St Elizabeth’s Parish and dean of Pärnu Deanery of the Estonian Evangelical…

Today is a special day in our Church calendar. It is the Third Sunday after Pentecost, which extends to us all an invitation to the kingdom of God. Today’s Gospel gives us Jesus’ parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:16–24), in which many of those invited found excuses not to attend. It reminds us that…

Jesus said: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7) God is a merciful Father. He seeks those who have gone astray, calls sinners back to himself and forgives sins. Heaven rejoices over every single lost person who is found.…

Jesus said: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be put…

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” (Luke 5:10) As early as the early Middle Ages, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul was celebrated in memory of their martyrdom on 29 June. They were executed in Rome during the persecutions under Emperor Nero in…