By the grace of God, His Eminence the Metropolitan of Arusha, Agathonikos, laid the foundation stone and blessed the commencement of the works for the construction of the first Holy Church and the establishment of the first parish in Dodoma, the new capital of Tanzania.
To this day, there is not yet an Orthodox Holy Church in Dodoma. The Holy Mysteries are temporarily celebrated in a hall of the University, which has been graciously made available to serve the pastoral needs of the faithful. Although this arrangement is a great blessing, it is evident to all that the time has come for the Orthodox Church to acquire its own spiritual home in the new capital.
The project will include:
- The Holy Church, a spiritual refuge and center of worship for the Orthodox faithful of the region.
- A Baptistery, for the celebration of Holy Baptism for those who desire to be united to the Body of Christ.
- A residence for the parish priest, together with office facilities.
The first stage of the project—the drilling of a borehole to secure a water supply—has already been successfully completed. This water will support the commencement of the construction works, as well as all future activities of the parish. At the same time, it will provide valuable drinking water to the residents of the wider area, alleviating a vital and daily need.
This new missionary opening in Dodoma is a work of the entire Church, which is called to stand beside those who seek hope and consolation, extending her hands not only to the faithful, but also to those who are drawing near to Orthodoxy. From this Holy Church, the breath of Orthodox witness will be carried throughout the new capital, while charitable works, pastoral ministry, and catechetical instruction will be organized and strengthened.
Every prayer and every offering becomes a stone in its building. With faith and hope we set forth, that the first Orthodox Holy Church may be erected in the new capital of Tanzania, and that its bell may resound in a city which until now had not known its call.
