During the three days spanning from November 30 to December 2, the Patriarch of Alexandria continued his enriching missionary journey in the Republic of Burundi.
The Patriarch’s presence brought unwavering support, consolation, and a sense of hope, instilling optimism among the blessed people while inaugurating various charitable endeavors and contributions to the Alexandrian Orthodox Church in Central Africa.
On Thursday, November 30, Patriarch Theodore participated in a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Community Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Buzumbura, commemorating the holy memory of Saints Andrew the First-Called and Frumentius of Ethiopia. Metropolitan Daniel of Axum presided over the Divine Liturgy with the local hierarch, Metropolitan Innocentios’ permission. Following the Liturgy, a Deacon, Mr. Markellos Ombeni from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was ordained to serve in the Holy Diocese of Goma.
Later, in the Conference Hall of the Holy Metropolis, the Patriarch engaged with the Board of Directors of the UOTA (Orthodox University of Applied Technologies), focusing on fortifying the Foundation’s objectives. He also held a meeting with the Clergy of the Holy Metropolis in Burundi, addressing pertinent matters of discussion.
During the afternoon, the Patriarch visited the Holy Monastery of Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian, leading the Vespers Service. An official dinner hosted by the Greek Community of Bujumbura provided an opportunity for the Patriarch to meet all the members.
On Friday, December 1, the Patriarch visited the Embassy of the Republic of Egypt in Burundi, exercising his right as an Egyptian citizen to vote in the Presidential elections. Later in the day, he visited the headquarters of the Greek Alumni Association, learning about their intention to create essential educational infrastructure to support eighty children annually.
Saturday, December 2, saw the Patriarch and his entourage travelled to Buramata, a community in the province of Bubanza, to celebrate the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Alexios. After the Liturgy, he inaugurated the new building of the Vocational Guidance Center “Sofokleio.” This center focuses on training young people in practical arts like sewing and first aid to equip them with valuable skills and knowledge.
Wrapping up the day, the Patriarch presided over the Great Vespers Service at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Bujumbura.
Text translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
