The Nativity of the Virgin in the heart of Africatranslated

In the heart of Tanzania, in the Holy Metropolis of Arusha, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with the simplicity and deep faith that characterize the Orthodox Church in Africa. In the village of Ipoasi, in the Holy Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated with the blessing of the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Arousa, Mr. Agathonikos, by priests of the Holy Metropolis who serve in the Archpriestly Region of Iringa.

There, in poverty and destitution, we meet God in His simplicity. In other Orthodox countries we see Him glorified in the grandeur of the great cathedrals of Europe and America; in Africa, we meet Him in the small churches and humble thatched huts, where a few people gather in faith and expectation. The same God is glorified everywhere.

The hymns of the Church were heard by the volunteers who serve in the lecterns of the area. Simple people, with great willingness and love, offer their time and strength to serve the Church. At the same time, other volunteers prepared the meal of love that followed after the Divine Liturgy, as part of the Holy Communion...