With the gracious permission and blessing of Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, Metropolitan Chariton of Kananga, representing the Patriarchate of Alexandria in the Republic of the Congo, presided over the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Holy Parish Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Rafina, Attica.
Named in honor of the late Archimandrite Fr. Chariton Pnevmatikakis, who embarked on missionary work in Kananga, Congo, following in the footsteps of Fr. Chrysostomos Papasarantopoulos from Patras in 1973, Metropolitan Chariton continues the legacy of spreading the teachings of the Orthodox faith in distant lands.
During the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Chariton delivered a homily, drawing upon the Gospel passage from Matthew 15:21-28, where the Canaanite woman demonstrates humility and unwavering faith in seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter from the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The Canaanite woman’s humility and faith,” emphasized the Metropolitan, “led to the miraculous healing of her daughter by the Lord.”
Encouraging the faithful to reflect upon the lessons found within the Gospel passages, Metropolitan Chariton highlighted the importance of embodying humility and faith in one’s spiritual journey.
Expressing gratitude, the Metropolitan extended his appreciation to Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki for the unwavering support extended to the Holy Metropolis of Kananga. Additionally, he thanked the Parish of the Ascension in Rafina for their invaluable assistance in the construction and completion of the Church of Saint Barbara within his Metropolis.
Text – Photos: Spyros Theod. Koutsochristos
