Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba, Honorary Doctor of AUTh.

ByThe Orthodox Missionary Fraternity

It is with great joy and emotion that the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity welcomes the news of the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate to His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos (Maidonis) of Bukoba and Western Tanzania by the Department of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

This is a particularly significant moment, as the Department of Theology of AUTh recognizes in His Grace the profound connection between theory and practice, confirming the words of Saint Gregory the Theologian: “Practice is the ascent to theory.”

During the six years of the active Hierarch’s archpastoral and missionary service in Northern Tanzania, our Fraternity has stood as a steadfast companion and supporter of his rich Orthodox witness and extensive charitable work. Among the significant projects that have been supported – with a total budget exceeding 400,000 euros – are:

  • The construction of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Primary School in Karekere
  • The Holy Church of Saint Eumenios in Bugaza
  • The substantial contribution to the creation of the Saint Efthymia Missionary Center
  • The drilling of wells for the provision of clean water
  • The regular monthly support of the Diocese

We are delighted for this great Hierarch and extend our warmest congratulations to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and especially to the Department of Theology, for this significant initiative.

Event Information

The awarding ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM (arrival by 7:15 PM) in the Ceremony Hall of the Old Building of the Faculty of Philosophy, AUTh.

Ceremony Program:

  • 7:30 PM – Commencement & Address by the Head of the Department of Theology, Professor Elias Evangelou.
  • Greeting by the Rector of AUTh, Professor Kyriakos Anastasiadis.
  • Eulogy for the Honoree by the Associate Professor of the Department of Theology, Petros Panagiotopoulos.
  • Awarding Ceremony: Reading and presentation of the resolution and title by the Head of the Department of Theology.
  • Presentation of the Insignia and Commemorative Plaque by the Rector of AUTh.
  • Video screening of the missionary work in the Diocese of Bukoba and Western Tanzania.
  • Address by the Honored Bishop on the topic: “The Formation of Missionary Consciousness.”
  • Hymns by the Choir “Orthodox Africans.”
  • 9:15 PM – End of Ceremony.

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