Dear and respected members of the Board of Directors,
Hail in the Lord! With God’s help the sunrise of the day finds us well. I wish to report to you our current Missionary Activity here in Indonesia. On February 3, 2011, I departed for our new Orthodox community of St. Ephraim in Sumbul to celebrate the Holy Sacrament of Marriage to 13 families. With much eagerness and anticipation the grandparents take their place in orderly fashion for us to begin the Holy Sacrament. The church packed to see their fathers and mothers crowned in our true Orthodox Church. Their joy is joined by their tears and emotion is painted on their faces. When we celebrated the sacrament of marriage they brought the first produce from their fields, rice, various vegetables, coffee and much more. I blessed all the goods with prayer and then they gave them to me as a gift. Then in the courtyard of the Church they prepared food for the whole parish and then we danced. Then I gave them spiritual advice concerning Orthodox marriage. They were very happy and in the late afternoon I returned to Medan town. My brothers and sisters with God’s help our mission works here in Sumatra are increasing. I am sending Father Athanasius to many areas to minister there. Now we have two new Orthodox communities in Hiligeo – Nias and the other in Pargambiram, which have the need of building a holy church. Thank you very much for your help. From Elder Elizabeth, the children Soteria, Evangelia and Sister Agnes we send you heartfelt greetings. With many greetings
π. Chrysostomos Manalu
