The 10-day missionary tour of His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria and All Africa to Madagascar, the “eighth continent”, was completed on June 7. The Primate of the Alexandrian Church was enthusiastically received by His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatius of Madagascar, the clergy and the devout people of Malagasy. He was also accompanied on his tour by the nuns of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Theogenetria of Crete, who are currently in Madagascar to help consolidate monasticism. During his visit, the Patriarch inaugurated the new Girls’ Orphanage in Andoharanofotsy, which will house 200 needy and orphaned children. The construction of this institution has been a concern and dream of the Metropolitan of Madagascar for many years, as many infants are abandoned on the streets, as parents are unable to feed them due to poverty. Our Brotherhood with your help has been a co-funder of the project. The Patriarch also took part in the priestly assembly of the Orthodox clergy of Madagascar, met with the students of the seminary in Ampany, and visited the Presidential Palace, where he spoke with the President of Madagascar, Mr. Heri Rajahonarimabianina, about the multifaceted work of the Orthodox mission. Furthermore, His Beatitude inaugurated the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Andoharanoftsy, opened the doors of the country’s first Orthodox University in Manakara, as well as a new primary and secondary school in Ampany. Finally, he visited Toliara, where he inaugurated the medical clinic of the parish of the Immaculate Conception, which will treat local children free of charge, and performed the inauguration of the Holy Peace Church. On the last day, he presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Toliara sports stadium, attended by thousands of faithful from the region.
