Feymi Madjirov appointed Bishop of the Istanbul Lutheran Church

Three bishops laid hands on Feymi Madjirov, who became the first bishop of the Istanbul Lutheran Church. Photo: Jouni Haverinen

On 6 April 2025, Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland and Rev. Ville Typpö had the privilege of participating in a historic celebration: Pastor Feymi Madjirov was consecrated as the first Bishop of Istanbul Lutheran Church.

The consecration was officiated by Bishop Ivan Laptev of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, together with our Bishop and President of the International Lutheran Council Juhana Pohjola, and Bishop Hanss Martins Jensson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.

Bishop Feymi Madjirov. Photo: Jouni Haverinen

“Consecration is the work of the Lord”

Rev. Ville Typpö, who had previously served in the Istanbul Lutheran Church for a decade, assisted in the service alongside local pastors. He read a letter written by Madjirov’s spiritual father and Bishop (emeritus) Risto Soramies of the Evangelical Luthean Mission Diocese of Finland. In the letter, Soramies reminded those present that the consecration of a bishop is the work of God:

“My dear son Feymi, today you have been conserated a bishop. Your selection and appointment was made by your brothers, but be assured that it is the work of the Lord. Your brothers know you and know that you are human. You yourself know that you are human. Being human means anything but being perfect. But the Lord has called you and your brothers to these offices to encourage and protect the congregations of the Church.”

According to Bishop Soramies, the newly consecrated Bishop has the precious and sacred responsibility of leading and supporting his fellow pastors, which means acting as a shepherd to shepherds:

“The congregations you now lead are full of mortal men. Like you, they too are on their way to the holy God. With clear consciences, all their sins washed away, they can pass into joy for the sake of Christ. This is the good news preached by the wounds in Jesus’ hands.”

Bishop Soramies ended his letter with a confident assurance:

“Just as Christ once laid his right hand on the Apostle John, so today, through the hands of your brothers, He laid His hand on you and said, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.’ (Rev. 1:17-18)”

The Lutheran congregation of Adana was responsible for the practical arrangements for the celebration. The consecration service was held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, providing a festive setting. The Istanbul Lutheran Church / Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bulgaria has five Turkish-speaking congregations, three of which are located in Turkey and two in Bulgaria. The church belongs to the International Lutheran Council.

Original text: Pauliina Pylvänäinen

English translation: Thoms Toepfer