Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon

We are pleased to introduce the graduates of 2026. Today, we celebrate Rev. Patricia Giannelia, Post Graduate Certificate in Theology. Some words from Patricia, about herself:

The earth is [our God’s] and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it… (Ps 24:1)

The Earth is our Mother, Sister, Brother, Neighbour. When we truly realize this at the core of our being, “bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh”, and come to love and care for this neighbour as we do ourselves, we might begin to genuinely restore it to where it is meant to be.

I am a retired Lutheran pastor living in Kelowna, BC. I earned my MDiv at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (now Martin Luther University), and was ordained in 1991. I served Good Shepherd/Bon Pasteur in St. Lambert, QC, (English/French), St. Paul’s, Richmond Hill, ON and Christ Lutheran in Kelowna (English/German). I have also served in various extra-curricular capacities in the church and the community over the years.

The LTS commitment to distance learning enabled me to take a few courses while in the parish. This led me to enroll in the DMin Program in 2020, during Covid. I was interested in the area of agriculture and sustainability, due to living amongst farms and orchards in Kelowna and due to following a largely whole food plant based way of eating to support my husband Walter’s challenges with advanced heart disease.
The courses were interesting and thought provoking, and I learned a great deal.

Sadly, despite several years of improved quality of life, Walter died in December 2025. My program had been changed to a Post-Graduate Certificate in Theology, which I completed in April 2026.

I dedicate this Certificate to Walter for his love and support over the 25 years of our marriage, and to my parents, Kianga and Johannes, for instilling in me love for the land. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Seminary Faculty for their flexibility and understanding in my personal situation. I hope many more students come to find fulfilling study at LTS.

Lutheran Theological Seminary and St. Andrew's College have announced their intention to move forward together into a new chapter of shared ministry and theological education.
Rooted in longstanding collaboration and a shared commitment to serving the church and the world, this step reflects years of relationship, discernment, and conversation.

Read more:
https://lutherantheological.ca/lts-news/lutheran-theological-seminary-and-st-andrews-college-announce-a-new-chapter-in-shared-ministry-and-theological-education