The Missionary and Charitable Work of the Metropolis of Northern Madagascar
With the blessing of His Beatitude our Pope and Patriarch, the missionary and charitable work of the Metropolis of Northern Madagascar continues to offer hope and love in this land.
Charitable Activities
In Antananarivo, the Metropolis has established the “Agape” girls’ orphanage, which currently hosts approximately 120–160 girls, offering safety, education, and a spiritual family. Concurrently, it maintains and operates a nursing home for the elderly, where daily care, spiritual support, and social interaction are provided for our vulnerable fellow human beings.
Every morning, the children at the orphanage, as well as other children from the wider area, receive a simple, nutritious breakfast: a glass of milk and a piece of bread, which provides strength for daily activities and perpetuates the feeling of care and love.
The Mission from Thessaloniki
A significant mission of humanitarian and ecclesiastical material departed from Thessaloniki, with a cargo containing clothing, food, and ecclesiastical items. When the container arrived in the area of the Metropolis, a serious accident occurred approximately 500 meters away: due to brake failure, the container detached and overturned.
Residents from the wider area immediately gathered and helped unload the cargo. The process of removing the items took hours, causing a road blockage until late at night, as volunteers collaborated to save whatever could be salvaged. Ultimately, the valuable material – from powdered milk to dresses, sacred vessels, and icons – was transported to the orphanage, the nursing home, and other structures of the Metropolis.
The Missionary Work
Frequent visits are made to villages for catechisms, liturgies, baptisms, and every activity related to missionary work. Christians are always eager to welcome the missionaries and listen to the catechesis that follows. The interest is always great, as are the questions.
This year, many baptisms took place in several villages, and new Christians were added. By the grace of God and the blessings of His Beatitude, the theological seminary operates normally and staffs many new parishes. This year, several new clergy were ordained, and several vacancies in new parishes were filled.
It is noteworthy that Father Gabriel, an elder clergyman, offered his two children to the Church, and they became clergy. Additionally, two young students from the Catholic Church are attending the Orthodox seminary with the ultimate goal of priesthood in the Orthodox Church. The grace of the Holy Spirit enlightens people, and they find the path of truth.
Spread of Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy is spreading in many parts of the country because the grace of God precedes it in unknown places. The presence of missionaries generates interest among people, and that is where the catechetical work begins. The establishment of a new parish brings great joy and satisfaction, and when time passes and a new church is built in this parish, the bell will call the faithful for common prayer in inaccessible areas.
With the help of the people, a new altar was built where prayers will be offered and the mystery of the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated.
Epilogue
The presence of these structures — the orphanage with 120+ girls, the nursing home, the daily breakfast — constitutes a living expression of Christian love and the social responsibility of the Orthodox Mission. Despite unexpected difficulties, such as the container accident, the cooperation of the local community and Christian organizations from Thessaloniki demonstrated that, with faith and solidarity, we can overcome obstacles and continue to support those in need of care. The message of love, care, and community remains vibrant and uniquely bright.
