Our Founders

About those who are leading Lumen Fidei

Rev. Liena Apsukrapsa

Lumen Fidei will be lead by Liena Apsukrapsa who is an ordained Lutheran Minister and spiritual director in the Ignatian and the Vincentian tradition. Reverend Apsukrapsa is an ecumenical expert, easily moving from her own faith traditional in the Lutheran church to other Christian faith communities as she serves as lead Chaplain in a busy North-metro Denver hospital. By God’s grace, these opportunities in ministry have given Reverend Apsukrapsa the ability to listen deeply to the suffering and hope of people throughout Colorado and Europe. Further, as a Spiritual Care Association Board Certified Hospital Chaplain, Reverend Apsukrapsa dedicates herself to the front line of healing of God’s children who come to her suffering from sickness and trauma. Not the least, Reverend Apsukrapsa ministers to the hospital caregivers (doctors, nurses and aids), who by their dedication also suffer from their patient’s conditions.

Patrick Smith, JD

Mr. Smith, Pastor Liena’s husband, received doctorate in law from the University of Connecticut and is a lawyer in Colorado. A devote Roman Catholic and a Catholic Worker in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Smith specializes in taking the Word to the marginalized, hopeless, poor and addicted. Using his own suffering and salvation, he reaches those who have been crushed by poverty, injustice and addiction and guides them back into the light of faith. At present he is the Director of Operations and General Counsel to a sober living community of 75 recovering addicts in Metro Denver.

Arturs Poksans, B.A.

Mr. Poksans has received his B.A. degree in Theology form Luther Academy in Latvia but presently works as building and structural draftsman . He is an active member of Institut Norte Dame de Vie, France and Carmelite Community Karmela Cels, Latvia. Mr. Poksans has dedicated his life to Carmelite spirituality and the practice of Contemplative Prayer.

Gunita Poksans, B.A.

Ms. Poksans has received her B.A. in Social Work and Theology from Christian Accedemy, Latvia. She has spent most of her life helping families and individuals faced with critical social and economical issues. Alongside her husband Mr. Poksans is a member of Carmelite Community in Latvia and France. Both of them are retreat leaders and prayer facilitators.

Irena Sinauska, RN

Ms. Sinauska (Rev. Liena’s mother) has been the village nurse for over 50 years, and she is still helping the hurting on an almost daily basis. She is the key leader of the Lutheran church located in her garden, and she also has been a deaconess and intercessor for the sick since the foundation of that church.

Rev. Brian Tidd, ThM, BCC

Jesus and his cross are enough to guarantee our forgiveness and membership in the family of God forever. That is the assurance God gave to Brian from Scripture—his eternal peace and the joy. Brian spent decades in missions, pastoring churches and giving spiritual care in healthcare settings. Yet he feels strongly that the ultimate goal of the church is worship. Living before the face of God–in his presence—Corum Deo—is what he most desires and delights to assist. His invitation is to adore together our Supreme Lover who is in everyone and everything everywhere.