Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Pentapolis, is the patron saint of the Orthodox faithful in the city of Singida, in central Tanzania. Since the construction of the Holy Church dedicated to his memory in the heart of the city, the Saint has become a point of reference and a source of comfort for the Christians there. The Orthodox faithful of Singida venerate him deeply and pray that he may strengthen and enlighten them, so that they may endure the hardships of life and remain steadfast in their faith.
In this spirit of reverence and gratitude toward their patron Saint, the annual feast of Saint Nektarios was celebrated this year. Singida is a city where the Orthodox presence is still young. Only two years ago, the Church of Saint Nektarios was founded and the first baptisms of Orthodox Christians took place; today, the community continues to grow in faith, enthusiasm, and love for Christ.
The city lies about seven hours west of Arusha, the spiritual center of the Holy Metropolis. With the blessing and paternal guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Agathonikos, priests and lay collaborators of the Holy Metropolis traveled to Singida to celebrate the feast of Saint Nektarios, as well as group Baptisms and Weddings.
The day began with the festal Divine Liturgy. Immediately afterward, group baptisms of Tanzanian brothers and sisters were performed—people who, with deep faith, came to receive Holy Baptism and to enter the Church of Christ after a long period of catechism. Little children, young people, and the elderly descended into the baptismal waters, while the psalms and prayers of the faithful accompanied each proclamation of the priest: “The servant of God is baptized…” The Church extends into new lands, into souls reborn in the Spirit, thirsting for the light of Orthodoxy.
Following this, the Sacrament of Marriage was celebrated for Orthodox couples who, according to the sacred tradition of the Church, received the grace and blessing of God to journey together in their common life. The ceremonies were simple and deeply devout.
After the completion of the Holy Mysteries, all members of the Orthodox community joined in a common meal of love, reverently and generously offered by Mr. Christos Rousogiannis, for the health of his family. He is the founder of the Holy Church and a devoted supporter of the missionary work.
The Missionary Shelter of Saint Dionysios of Olympus expresses heartfelt gratitude to all its members, godparents, and benefactors from Greece who, with selfless love and consistency, support the missionary work and the holy baptisms. Through their generous offerings, the newly illumined faithful of Tanzania are strengthened in the faith and take their first steps in the life of the Church with courage.
We pray that Saint Nektarios, the protector and guide of the Orthodox community of Singida, will cover with his grace all the workers of the Mission, the benefactors, and the godparents, granting them health, enlightenment, peace, and the love of Christ.
