With deep spiritual joy and reverence, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior was celebrated once again this year in the Holy Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania, in every town and village where there is an Orthodox presence and a sacred church.
A particularly festive atmosphere marked the celebration at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior in the village of Igagidugu, which is built at an altitude of 2,000 meters amid the natural beauty of Tanzania. This is a particularly beautiful church, erected on a plot of land donated by Elder Maximos, President of the Board of the Missionary Shelter, as an offering of love and faith toward the missionary work. The church was inaugurated by His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, during his missionary tour in Central Tanzania, thus marking the beginning of a new spiritual era for the faithful in the region.
It is worth noting that before the construction of the church, the faithful would celebrate the Divine Liturgy in a humble grass hut, which they had built themselves using limited tools and simple materials found in the area, showing their love for the Church and the liveliness of their faith.
During this year’s celebration, the villagers participated devoutly in the Divine Liturgy. Before the dismissal, a sermon was preached on the meaning of the feast, followed by a procession around the church.
After the service, a love feast was offered to all by Mrs. Angeliki, in memory of George and for her own health, actively supporting the initiative of the Missionary Shelter, which strives to provide a warm meal to our brothers and sisters in Africa.
Let us all continue to support the mission, remembering that even the smallest offering becomes a source of hope and comfort for our brothers and sisters on the African continent.
