A letter from LELBĀL Archbishop Lauma Zušēvica bidding farewell to Pastor Aida Prēdele on her passing into eternity (republished):
28 July 2015
To the dear grieving congregation,
Concluding chapter 13 in his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes:
“Now we see dimly, as though looking at a reflection, but then – face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I myself am fully known. So now faith, hope, and love remain; these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Pastor emer. Aida Prēdele was ordained at a time when, in the spirit of faith, hope, and Christian love, sisters and brothers in Latvia were reborn together with their Church and their people. Responding to Christ’s call, she went out to meet a still uncertain future with the conviction that each person must grow in faith and in its understanding. God had given her special gifts, which she shared, developing the newspaper “Svētdienas rīts” as an aid for nurturing faith and strengthening souls. With gratitude we remember her tireless work and contribution.
With sorrow we remember her long struggle with health, which she endured in the trust that one day what here seems incomprehensible will become clear. May the peace of Christ strengthen the hearts of those who mourn. May the life story of Pastor emer. Aida Prēdele inspire everyone who deeply understands Christ’s call to bear one’s cross and follow Him, our Savior, who, dying on the cross, broke the power of death to separate us from the eternal love of God.
On behalf of the Consistory of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia Abroad and personally, I express our condolences to her son, daughter-in-law, grandson, all relatives, fellow clergymen and clergywomen, the grieving congregation, and the Church, as we bid farewell to sister Aida on her passing into eternity. To her, who believed in the power of the written word, let the truth of John’s book of Revelation resound in a clarity not yet experienced: “The one who was seated on the throne said: “Behold, I am making all things new.” Then he said: “Write, for this message is trustworthy and true.” And he said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.“” (Rev 21:5-6) For Christ’s faithful sister Aida, may it well up into eternal life!
United with you in prayer,
+ Lauma Zušēvica
Archbishop
LELBĀL