Dear Friends of Mission,
I am very pleased to inform you about the progress of the work of our missionary team by the grace of God and the unwavering love of His Beatitude the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore. Despite all the difficulties, we continue the effort steadily.
Times, as you know, are difficult in every respect. Recently another problem arose completely unexpectedly. The problem with the Russian Church, which invaded the African continent and began its mission abroad. In addition, it attracted many priests and believers, enticing them with a lot of money. We continue catechisms in villages and towns, catechizing those interested for a long time until the time is completed and they are ready for the Holy Baptism.
We continue catechisms in villages and towns, catechizing those interested for a long time until the time is completed and they are ready for the Holy Baptism.It is a great joy and satisfaction for us to see souls for whom Christ died embrace Orthodoxy. But we feel even more joy when we see them after Holy Baptism wearing their white robes reborn in their spiritual family, the Orthodox Church. The visits to the villages for catechism and study of the Bible by Archim. Fr. Eleftherios, hieromonk of the Holy Metropolis of Mani, who has been here with the blessing of His Grace Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Mani since the beginning of January. Last month, priests from all over the Diocese met and discussed spiritual issues as well as other current issues that concerned them. On the 2nd and the 13th of February, 2 deacon ordinations took place with the blessing of our spiritual Father Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria Theodore. We praise God for these special blessings that He has in store for us. Our Church continues its Apostolic succession both with the new ordinations and with the observance of the teachings of the Holy Fathers.
A few days ago, a new sacred church was opened. The new church was constructed on the same site as the old one. Landslide had caused a lot of damage, and it could no longer be used. The dedication service was attended by several Christians from the wider area as well as the Mayor and the President of the area. During the service in which several priests took part, speeches were delivered by both the Metropolitan and the local political leaders. Finally, this great event closed with a wonderful meal prepared by the parish ladies.
Also, some time ago, the foundation stone of a new church was laid in a remote village. The energetic priest took care to create this community of faithful, who had been patiently waiting for the construction to be completed in order to gather and worship God in a church building. God enlightened a warm-hearted donor and reconstruction began. We praise God for all the blessings He has in store for us in the midst of a crisis and we thank the generous donors for the help they offer us, whether big or little. Through all works the name of the true God is glorified and souls for whom Christ died are saved. The main priority of our missionary work is the spiritual part. We try to do everything in our power to benefit people spiritually. May God present other persons-laborers to work in His vineyard, for His glory, for the Church and for the salvation of man.
I send my warmest thanks and gratitude to the Fraternity of Orthodox Foreign Mission, which is helping our long-term missionary struggle here in the country of Madagascar.
† Ignatios of Madagascar
