Today, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique, accompanied by Dr. Georgios Vlachos, Education Coordinator of the Consulate General of Greece in Johannesburg, and Honourable Magistrate Mrs. Anna Vomvas-Holland, visited the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, The Right Honourable Nelly Butete Mutti MP.
The Speaker warmly welcomed the Metropolitan and his delegation. In a pleasant atmosphere, a constructive and creative discussion took place on the issues that Metropolitan Ioannis raised with Madam Mutti.
Taking the floor, Metropolitan Ioannis first conveyed the blessings and best wishes of Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria for health, enlightenment, and every success in her invaluable work, on the occasion of the opening of the new parliamentary session.
The Metropolitan then presented a memorandum outlining the topics for discussion, along with symbolic gifts such as an olive tree crafted in Ancient Olympia — a universal symbol of peace, friendship, and fraternity among peoples.
The Honourable Speaker expressed her delight and enthusiasm at all these initiatives of His Eminence and pledged to remain in close contact with him, supporting in every possible way the efforts and initiatives he is undertaking to foster cooperation not only between the two nations but more broadly.
The following are indicative topics that were discussed:
- Updates on scheduled and future initiatives.
- The 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council – symposium with all Christian denominations in Zambia.
- Establishment of a Chair of Greek Language and Culture at the University of Zambia, commencing in January 2026.
- Dispatch of a second group of 20 students to Greece through a scholarship program offered by the Greek Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Metropolis of Zambia.
- Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy – forthcoming visit to Zambia and organization of a forum on “Institutional cooperation between parliamentary and religious bodies and their contribution to addressing the challenges of the modern world – the role and impact of technological developments.”
- Creation of an office in Zambia for cultural exchanges, as well as business, educational, and scientific activities.
- 130 years of Greek presence and contribution in Zambia.
- Publication of a book presenting the history of Hellenism in Zambia, accompanied by an archival exhibition.
- Inauguration of the Orthodox Centre and Church in Chirundu (Vlachakis region – site of the first Greek settlers in 1896).
- Hosting of an International Symposium at the University of Zambia to mark the celebration of World Greek Language Day on February 9.
- Initiatives promoting Olympic Education and Olympic values, combined with environmental protection.
