The Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania opened its arms to welcome two priests from Greece. Archimandrite Vasileios Nakas, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia of Petra in Olympus, and Archimandrite Ioannis Itsios, a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Missionary Shelter, traveled to the heart of Africa to witness and support the missionary work there.
With deep faith, humility, love, and a spirit of offering, they stood by the Most Reverend Bishop Agathonikos of Arusha and Central Tanzania, providing meaningful assistance to the charitable and pastoral work of the local Church.
They were not mere observers, but active supporters. With enthusiasm and missionary zeal, they participated in baptisms, Divine Liturgies, food distributions, and the comforting of the poor and suffering. They listened to the people, prayed with them, and experienced both the hardship and the grace that accompany ministry in the depths of Tanzania.
Fr. Ioannis Itsios, head priest of the Church of Saint George in Litochoro, with touching sensitivity, collected financial aid from devout members of his parish and ensured that two meals were provided after the Divine Liturgy to children and adults living in the remote villages of Iringa. He also purchased school supplies for the children, supporting their educational efforts. This act served as a small yet precious example of Christ’s love, expressed through simplicity and generosity.
Thus, their presence became a source of joy, support, and spiritual strength for the missionaries and faithful people of Tanzania. They saw up close the daily challenges, but also the miracles that faith can bring in places where material comforts are scarce, yet hope and love overflow. In the humble churches, on dirt roads, and within poor dwellings, they felt the Gospel alive – preached not only in words but through action.
This visit highlighted a profound truth: how valuable and welcome the contribution of priests from Greece is to the mission. Their presence, even if temporary, encourages those who work silently – often under exhausting conditions – to spread the faith and hope of Christ.
Special thanks are due, on behalf of His Grace Bishop Agathonikos of Arusha and Central Tanzania, to His Eminence Metropolitan Georgios of Kitros, Katerini, and Platamonas, who granted the blessing and permission for the two priests to undertake this missionary journey. His Eminence is known for his love for missions and the evangelization of the nations.
Missionary work is not merely a task; it is a cross-bearing and resurrecting journey – filled with hardships but also with joys that only the love of Christ can bring. In this journey, the Church must continue to offer missionary workers: priests, monks, and laypeople who will sacrifice in order to serve. The mission needs all of us – through our prayers, our financial support, and, for those who are able, through our very presence.
May Fathers Vasileios and Ioannis become a source of inspiration – a flame that will ignite in the hearts of more priests and laypeople the desire to follow this path. Orthodoxy is alive only when it is shared, and the love of Christ finds its fulfillment when it becomes action.
FOR EVERY JOURNEY TO AFRICA IS A PILGRIMAGE OF LOVE.
