The synaxar of a saint depicts the way to heaven. It is a narrow, bumpy and uphill path – in the words of the hagiography “the gate is narrow and the way is narrow” (Matthew 7:14). At the same time, however, it is safe and with a sure destination.
The experienced, agile and effective missionary, Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba knows the value of the Saints in the life of Christians. That is why he chose to give the name of St. Eumenios Saridakis to a church that was funded by an anonymous donor of the Brotherhood of Orthodox Foreign Mission.
Saint Eumenius came from a poor, large family. At the infant age of two he was orphaned by his father and lived through the German occupation in tragic living conditions. He wore shoes for the first time when he was twelve years old. Deprivation, poverty, illiteracy and hunger did not harden the young fighter. Every trial of his life cultivated him spiritually, like a hoe cultivating a field. His life is reminiscent of impressive statues, the more strokes the artist gives to his work the more elaborate it becomes.
His whole life is instructive and beneficial. But we will focus on just two incidents. From a young age he was a churchgoer. When the parish priest, in order to alleviate the hunger and poverty he was experiencing, attempted to offer him a small sum of money, the saint would reply, “No, Father John, we never take money from the church.” He had another blessed habit: building chapels or visiting and renovating them. And here there is now a church named after him!
Our Saint on the one hand experienced painful illnesses in his life and on the other hand he interceded with all the strength of his heart, as a priest and spiritual director, for many sick people in the Infectious Diseases Hospital.
St. John Chrysostom exclaims: “memory of a saint, imitation of a saint”. Thus, following his saint, the theophilos Bishop of Bukobas, as an expert in catechesis and missionary work, offered with this initiative a living example to our indigenous brothers and sisters. An example that is close to their own circumstances, and proves that the difficulties of life can be transformed into opportunities and ways of sanctification and salvation of their souls.
The Brotherhood feels the need to thank Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba for the inspiration of the name, for the excellent cooperation and the brilliant result, and our anonymous donor from Germany for his trust and his offer.
