August Cruze Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Central Asia Date of Birth: 27.07.1941 Country: Dive

1. Early Life and Family
2. Religious Upbringing
3. Career and Family
4. Ordination and Pastoral Ministry
5. Episcopal Service
6. Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCRAS)
7. Retirement and Legacy

Early Life and Family

Archbishop August Kruse was born into a family of German-speaking Lutherans. Shortly after his birth, his family was deported to the village of Karatuzskoye in the Krasnoyarsk region. In 1949, the family reunited with their uncle in Krasnoturinsk, Sverdlovsk Oblast.

Religious Upbringing

During the 1950s, Kruse attended secret Lutheran services in Krasnoturinsk despite the political climate. Only in 1990 did Lutheran communities in the city gain the freedom to openly celebrate Christmas.

Career and Family

After serving in the military for three years, Kruse dedicated 28 years to working at an aluminum factory in Krasnoturinsk. In 1964, he married and went on to have two children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Ordination and Pastoral Ministry

Kruse was ordained as a pastor by Bishop Nikolaus Schneider. In 1993, he became Provost of the Ural region and the bishop's representative.

Episcopal Service

In 2004, Kruse was elected as Episcopal Visitor. From 2007, he served as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Siberia, the Urals, and the Far East.

Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCRAS)

On September 19, 2009, Kruse was elected Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia at the III General Synod in Saint Petersburg.

Retirement and Legacy

In 2012, Kruse retired as Archbishop and was succeeded by Bishop Dietrich Brauer. His contributions to the Evangelical Lutheran Church have left a lasting impact on its communities throughout the region.