The Rev. James Krikava was recently appointed a fellow of the Luther Academy to serve as its representative to Europe for a three-year term beginning this year.

The Luther Academy is an educational organization that provides continuing education for Lutheran pastors in mission fields throughout the world.

Krikava was born and raised in Freeborn County and graduated from Albert Lea High School and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He is the son of Alton and Marie Krikava of rural Glenville.

Krikava received the appointment to the Luther Academy based on his 15 years of experience as a Lutheran missionary in the Czech Republic and other areas of Eastern Europe.

Krikava returned to the U.S. in 2006 and is now serving as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster, Mass.

Krikava is planning a theological symposium to be held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Czech Lutheran Church this fall.