By the grace of God, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria Theodore of Alexandria made his second official visit to Ghana and the first to the Ivory Coast. A trip that, after many postponements, was to take place, bringing to the souls of the Orthodox, spiritual upliftment, living their own resurrection among their Spiritual Father. On November 2, the Holy Mass arrived at the airport of Accra, the capital of Ghana, where they were greeted by local officials, the clergy of the Holy Metropolis, young children dressed in traditional costumes offering flowers and a crowd of pious faithful who wanted to see and receive the blessing of their Father. On the same day, at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Accra, the Doxology was sung, thanking God for the arrival of the Spiritual Father of the Mission and Pastor of all Africa, followed by the expected addresses and counter-addresses.
In his speech, His Beatitude did not hide his joy for this unprecedented, unprecedented, welcome that the faithful people of Accra had reserved for him, emphasizing in particular the spiritual role of the Patriarchate and the untiring interest of both himself and the Bishop concerned, together with his collaborators, clergy and laity. In particular, he stressed the interest that young people should show in their education, so that from the education provided to them free of charge, under the care of the Holy Metropolis, they can acquire skills and technical abilities that will be useful for their lives and their future. This was followed by an event in the courtyard of the Mission by members of the choir of the Cathedral Church, which spread joy and spiritual jubilation to all those who attended. His Beatitude, seeing the enthusiasm and pulse of these young children, proclaimed the choir of Accra as the best choir of the Patriarchate. The following day, Saturday, November 3, His Beatitude visited the St. Peter’s Technical School in Larte, where he celebrated Holy Mass and inaugurated the new, well-equipped computer laboratory of the Holy Metropolis, in the presence of the local leaders and chiefs of the Larte region, a large number of people and the students of the school. The presentation of the laboratory and the students’ proficiency in the new technology spread enthusiasm and a sense of satisfaction among those present, especially when this opportunity is provided by the Church, thus giving the message that the Church is not only there to provide them with spiritual resources for the salvation of their souls, but also with resources that will be useful to them to help them in turn to help the development of their place, and even more so through the now modern means and data as they are formed in the world. Of course, this is due to people who love the mission and help the missionary echelons in every way and means. The Brotherhood of the Orthodox Foreign Mission deserves every praise here, which is always helpful in projects of charity, such as the construction of churches, schools, medical clinics and the provision of appropriate equipment.
In every pastoral visit of the Primate, it is not possible that there is not a Eucharistic gathering of all the faithful members. Wherever he can be there, the tireless Patriarch of Love can hear, as in the early Christian assemblies, with one voice the praiseful thanksgiving to the Triune God, from people who have come to know the true God, and who practice His holy Gospel with simplicity and naturally with the means at their disposal. Thus, on Sunday, November 4, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria presided at the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Accra, assisted by His Eminence Bishop George of Guinea, Bishop Narcissus of Accra and the entire clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Accra. He did not fail to thank once again the Ecclesiastical Choir of the Metropolis and awarded the title of Protopresbyter to Fr. Basil Kwame Lambe. This was followed by a meeting, Priestly Meeting, of the Holy Clergy of the Metropolis with His Beatitude, where the Prefect of the Alexandrian Church was given the opportunity to hear from the priests themselves about the spiritual and social work that is being carried out, but also to be informed about the needs and difficulties they face in their work. The Patriarch blessed them and encouraged them to continue working in the Vineyard of the Lord and pledged that he will always be at their side, in every need, in every difficulty and will wish and pray for their prosperity and progress.
In his busy schedule, it is worth noting the meeting with the Crown Prince of the British Throne, HRH Prince Charles of Wales, where they discussed issues of Orthodoxy and the work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Africa, as he himself does not hide his relationship with Orthodoxy and Mount Athos, and the joint contribution to social projects in countries of the African continent. Our Patriarch, referring to the solid foundations of Orthodoxy and the work carried out in the country of Ghana, departed for the Ivory Coast, which we will talk about in a future article, taking with him the best impressions and memories, And above all, the love he received from the flock there, leaving behind him his paternal blessings and blessings for the progress and development of all pastoral work aimed at man and his advancement in the Kingdom of God. (Continued…)
† The Akras Narcissus
