On 26th October 2012, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, accompanied by His Eminence Nikiphoros Metropolitan of Central Africa and His Grace Meletios Bishop of Kananga, visited the Orthodox Theological School of the local Church in Kinshasa, where he officiated at the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of St Athanasios the Athonite, which was built and paid for by the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra on Mount Athos.
Before the end of the Eucharistic Gathering, His Beatitude spoke to the students about the meaning of martyrdom and witness in the missionary struggle undertaken by the ancient Patriarchate throughout the African continent. He also mentioned the decisive contribution of the founder of the School, His Eminence Ignatios Metropolitan of Pentapolis, to its orderly operation.
He then visited the Orthodox Radio Station of the Holy Metropolis of Central Africa which is in the School and granted an interview.
Afterwards he attended the festive function of the students in the Ceremonial Hall of the Theological School, during which the students’ choir sang Byzantine hymns and local traditional songs. His Beatitude was addressed by the Deputy Dean who presented the academic work being done and thanked His Beatitufe for his continuous paternal care for the seventy students who are on full scholarships at the School. His Beatitude gave paternal advice to the students present and attended the lunch which was hosted in his honour.
In the afternoon of the same day the Venerable Primate of the Throne of St Mark went to the town of Kasangulu to the Holy Church of St John Chrysostomos which is under construction, as well as to the adjacent primary school which bears the name of the late Missionary Fr. Chrysostomos Papasarantopoulos. During this visit His Beatitude had the opportunity of communication with the members of the Parish Community, the teaching staff and the young pupils of the school, and praised the contribution of the “St John Chrysostomos” Missionary Society who built the above-named church and school.
