With deep reverence, the great and saving event of the Incarnation—the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ—was celebrated in the Holy Metropolis of Arusha, in Central Tanzania. In every parish, the Divine Liturgy of Christmas was celebrated with the participation of the devout faithful, who came to venerate the Divine Infant and to draw spiritual strength from the ineffable mystery of the Divine Economy.
The joy of the feast was not limited only to the liturgical gathering. In several parishes, after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, communal meals were held and parcels of love were distributed. The realization of these meals of love and the distribution of the parcels were made possible thanks to the selfless offering and sacrificial love of the members of our Association, the “Missionary Shelter of Saint Dionysios of Olympus,” as well as of the devout donors, who are willing co-workers in the philanthropic and missionary work of the Holy Metropolis of Arusha.
The meals of love took place in the following parishes:
- Missionary Center of Kindamali, offered by the Missionary Group from Stuttgart, led by Mrs. Sara Amanatidou.
- In the capital Dodoma, in a university venue, for the health of the Skamagka family.
- Saint Nektarios in Singida, offered by Mr. Christos Roussogiannis for the health of his family.
- Saint Panteleimon in the village of Ilalasimba, offered by Mrs. Aikaterini Kornelaki for the repose of Georgios and for the health of her family.
- The Archangels (Taxiarchs) in the village of Mloa, offered by Mrs. Aikaterini for the repose of Theodoros, Dimitrios, and Eleni.
- Parcels of love were distributed at the Holy Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Arusha, offered by the family of Mr. Xanthos Georgiou for the health of their loved ones and for the repose of their departed relatives.
In this way, our poor and needy brothers and sisters were deemed worthy to enjoy a warm meal on this holy day, receiving strong assurance that the Church stands by their side and that the Light which dawned from the cave of Bethlehem now illuminates their own lives as well. To all, we address heartfelt thanks and prayers, that the Lord of Glory may richly reward their love and offering.
May the uncreated Light of the Nativity of Christ continually illuminate our hearts and guide us in works of mercy and offering toward our brothers and sisters.