Worthy be the new Deacon Nikiforos!

The Holy Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania jubilates and rejoices for the progress of its spiritual scions who now serve at the seat of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa. Following the ordination of Father Markos Kalinga as a Deacon, the ordination of Father Nikiforos from Kindamali, Iringa, was performed Sunday 27th of September 2020 at the Holy Patriarchal Church of St. Savvas in Alexandria. Father Nikiforos, born Seraphim Illomo, was an active member of the Holy Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania. Being an eloquent chanter, he was assigned by His Eminence Agathonikos with the organization of the byzantine choirs that serve the liturgical needs of the parishes at the Iringa region.

Both new lyordained deacons are spiritual children of His Eminence Agathonikos, Bishop of Arusha, who during his ministry in Tanzania as a Priestmonk (2004-2009) instilled the love for the church and monasticism into Markos and Seraphim, young children at the time, as they themselves state. We are particularly happy because two spiritual scions of the Holy Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania serve near the Patriarch of Alexandria at the seat of the patriarchate, learn the Greek language and the liturgical tradition of our Church. We pray that the newly ordained Deacons richly have the grace of God in their life and serve the Church and the mission activities of the Patriarchate of Alexandria with love and self-denial!

Worthy! Anastahili!