On Monday, December 29, His Eminence Agathonikos, Metropolitan of Arusha, presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint George and Panagia of Kykkos at the Missionary Center of Kindamali in Iringa, on the occasion of the first feast of Venerable Chrysostomos, the Missionary of Africa, who was officially registered among the saints at the last session of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. All the clergy serving in the villages of the Metropolitan District of Iringa participated in the concelebration.
This was followed by a Priestly Assembly, during the opening of which Archimandrite Maximos presented to the priests the revered life of the Saint, highlighting his apostolic struggles and his complete dedication to Christ and the Church. Subsequently, His Eminence Metropolitan Agathonikos spoke with a paternal and moving address about the personality and the radiant example of the Venerable Saint, urging the priests to imitate his faith, humility, and love, both in their missionary work and in their personal lives.
During the Assembly, His Eminence Metropolitan Agathonikos, following the directive of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II, appointed Archimandrite Maximos as the General Archieratic Commissioner of the Holy Metropolis of Arusha, wishing that the Lord would strengthen and bless his ministry for the building up of God’s people. Father Maximos tirelessly and devotedly serves alongside His Eminence Agathonikos, contributing to the administration of the Holy Metropolis and supporting its missionary and charitable work.
Furthermore, pastoral, liturgical, and administrative issues were extensively discussed, as well as the difficulties and challenges faced by the clergy in their service to the villages of Iringa. Finally, all the priests were given icons of the Venerable Saint and the customary directives for the new year, prepared by Sister Alexia, head of the translation committee of the Holy Metropolis.
The Holy Metropolis of Arusha glorifies the Triune God for the recognition of Venerable Chrysostomos. It prays that, through his intercessions, the missionary work of the Church in the African continent may be strengthened, enlightened and be fruitful.
