To the west of northern Sumatra, opposite the town of Sibolga, stands this magnificent Indian Ocean island, scented by the production of vanilla. The island is located near the equatorial line, on the lithospheric fault between the Eurasian and Australian plates with intense seismic activity that is often devastating to the lives of the Indonesian inhabitants.
The Orthodox Church could not overlook this missionary field. Seven years ago, the indigenous missionary Fr. Chrysostom Manalu transplanted the Orthodox faith into the souls of the natives. Today there are communities in five villages and two catechists, graduates of the Theological School of Medan, Sumatra.
Two churches have been built on the island in the name of Saints Paul and Martha and Saint Nicholas, a clinic and an Orthodox school. The inhabitants, grateful for the beneficial presence of the Orthodox Church, are very receptive to the message of the Holy Gospel, which has changed their lives. Please pray for Nias, that more souls may come to know and love our Lord.
