With the grace of God, the blessing and blessing of His Holiness the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, on Saturday, January 10, 2015, the foundation was laid by His Eminence, Mons. The first Missionary Centre in South Sudan, the most newly established state in the world, a country plagued by civil wars for more than 30 years, with very few periods of cessation of hostilities, was inaugurated on Saturday, October 10, 2015. This first Missionary Centre to be opened in the South is named after the Holy and Glorious Apostle and Evangelist Mark, founder of the Alexandrian Church. The area where the missionary effort will be housed is at the eastern edge of the capital Juba, at Mongala, 500 meters from the White Nile.
In his short speech, His Eminence conveyed to the attendees His Beatitude’s absolute love and vigilant interest in South Sudan, then praised the few Greeks who, despite all the difficulties and dangers, remained in the region and wished that this day be the beginning of permanent peace and unity in South Sudan so that this long-suffering people may prosper and progress. The following day, January 11, and after 38 long years, the Holy Mass was celebrated again at the St. Stylianos Church in the centre of Juba, by His Eminence, Mons. The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Holy Father, Bishop Narciso of Nubia. Holy emotion and unspeakable joy flooded the few brave Greeks who remained in South Sudan despite the adverse political conditions and to whom the Metropolitan wished 2015 to be a year of peace and to bring reconciliation and unity to the people, while before dismissal he blessed and distributed the royal cake.
On January 12, the Metropolitan was received by the Minister of Religious Affairs of the country, Mr. Moses Telar Cindwt, to whom he emphasized the historical presence and contribution of the Orthodox Church in the region, as well as the will to continue this presence and contribution in the future, since South Sudan is now an independent country. In turn, the Minister pledged the new state to offer every possible facility for the Orthodox Church to achieve its mission, which is much needed. Finally, on 13 January, the Metropolitan went to another southern town, Wau, to make contact with several Orthodox families living there, to celebrate Mass in the Holy Church of the Prophet Elijah, and to celebrate the baptisms of several children who had been left unbaptized due to various difficulties.
Nouvia Narcissus
