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Published
by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
March 15, 2005
OCMC
Executive Director Meets with Patriarch
Theodoros of Alexandria and All Africa |
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March 15, 2005
St. Augustine, FL - With the blessing of His
Eminence Demetrios, Chairman of SCOBA, Fr. Martin
Ritsi, Executive Director of the Orthodox
Christian Mission Center, made a visit to Egypt to
meet with the newly enthroned Pope and Patriarch
Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa. His
Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros, the former
Metropolitan of Zimbabwe, was elected to replace
His Beatitude Patriarch Petros who perished in a
helicopter crash en route to Mount Athos last
September.
In honor of Patriarch Theodoros’ feast day, Fr.
Martin presented His Beatitude with a hand-painted
icon of the Great Commission on behalf of the
hierarchs of SCOBA and the Board of Directors of
the Mission Center. His Beatitude recognized the
successful efforts of the Mission Center and
expressed gratitude for all that OCMC is doing to
assist the Orthodox Church in Africa. He went on
to describe the challenges and struggles in many
of the countries where the Orthodox Church has a
presence and made an appeal for the OCMC to
continue to expand its assistance in Africa.
Various bishops from across the African continent
had gathered to celebrate the Patriarch’s feast
day. Fr. Martin met with many of the hierarchs to
discuss the ongoing vision of Orthodox missions in
Africa and the work of OCMC. Hierarchs
representing Orthodox Christianity in Kenya,
Nigeria, Benin, Tanzania, Egypt, South Africa,
Zimbabwe and Zambia were among those present at
the meetings.
Several of the newly elevated bishops were given
an introduction to the Mission Center’s programs
and the resources it offers. Other bishops who
have an established relationship with OCMC
discussed ongoing projects and explored future
mission opportunities.
“It was inspiring to see the expansion of the
Orthodox witness throughout Africa and to meet
with those providing spiritual and sacrificial
leadership. I was humbled as we discussed the many
needs and opportunities before us, and how we can
assist in this blessed work,” reflected Fr.
Martin.
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