Divine Providence reserved a special and joyful moment for the Holy Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania, as well as for the entire missionary work in Africa. With deep emotion and in an atmosphere of reverence, on Sunday, July 27, during the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi in Chania, His Grace Agathonikos, Bishop of Arusha and Central Tanzania, with the blessing of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros II, performed the monastic tonsure of the novice Thekla, giving her the name Theoxeni, in honor of the revered Abbess of the Monastery, Gerontissa Theoxeni.
The newly tonsured nun hails from the blessed country of Tanzania and from a young age breathed the spirit of Orthodox witness, having grown up at the Missionary Center in Kidamali. With zeal and love for Christ and her fellow human beings, she served for many years in soup kitchens, orphan care, catechetical schools, and in the liturgical life of the local missionary Church.
For the past three consecutive years, she remained as a novice at the Holy Monastery of Chrysopigi, experiencing the humble and blessed monastic life, cultivating the virtues of obedience, humility, service, and love. Under the affection and care of the sisters of the Monastery, she learned the art of sewing and other handicrafts, actively participating in the obediences, as well as the Greek language, which will enable her to delve deeper into the treasures of Orthodox tradition.
His Grace Bishop Agathonikos, visibly moved, conveyed the blessings and good wishes of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II, expressing the gratitude of the Alexandrian Church for the Monastery’s contribution to the spiritual renewal of the peoples of Africa. He especially emphasized the fact that many young souls from different parts of the world have found spiritual refuge at the Monastery over time, being spiritually nurtured and prepared to undertake the high calling of the monastic life.
With God’s grace, Sister Theoxeni will return to her homeland in due time to continue her ministry at the missionary center and her obedience at the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael in Kidamali, bringing with her the experiences and knowledge she acquired on the holy land of Crete, for the edification of the Church and monasticism in Tanzania.
With the prayers of all the members of the Missionary Shelter of St. Dionysius of Olympus, may her new path be fruitful and pleasing to God, to the glory of His name.
