In early April, Theoph. Bishop Panteleimon of Brazzaville and Gabon, made a pastoral visit to North Congo, to the Parish Community of the city of Imfondo. He was met at the airport by the Parish Priest Fr. Sergius Mabelemo and members of the parish committee, while the elderly Orthodox chief of the Pygmy tribe welcomed him in the rented house, which is used as a temporary place of worship. During his stay in Imfondo, the Theophilos had the opportunity for extensive collaboration with Fr. Sergio and the parish officials of the parish of Holy Redeemer and St. Nicholas for the advancement of the pastoral work. He met with parishioners on spiritual and other matters and inspected the progress of the construction of the Holy Church of St. John the Baptist & St. Nicholas, the first Orthodox Church in the north of the country. On Palm Sunday, April 5, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and preached to the large congregation. He also offered mosquito nets to all the faithful to protect them from the mosquito-borne disease malaria. In the afternoon he went to the rainforest where the Pygmies live. After being graciously welcomed and addressed by the venerable chief of the tribe, the Bishop spoke with simplicity about the importance of Holy Week and the Resurrection of the Lord. Furthermore, he distributed clothes to all the indigenous children. The noon of April 6 quickly arrived and the Bishop departed full of emotion to the capital city of Brazzaville.
From the Holy Diocese
