[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80XF6UyYcao”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The First Steps of Orthodoxy in Rwanda

With the Grace of God and following the strenuous efforts and prayers of his Eminence Innokentios, Bishop of Burundi and Rwanda, the first steps of the Orthodox Church in Rwanda began. On Saturday 17 -8-2013, his Eminence accompanied by Fr George Schinas,  hierodeacon Nektarios Stogiannis and a team from the Church of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris in Athens, as well as a group of women from Uganda organised a catechetical meeting with about 500 Rwandans. The meeting included an introduction by his eminence Bishop Innokentios, dividing the local people into work groups, a concluding homily and a meal. Questions were asked and answers given on crucial matters of the Orthodox Faith. The Rwandan’s interest was genuine and their zeal for Orthodoxy is continually increasing. The next day, on Sunday morning, a hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated which our Rwandan brethren attended as catechumens and were amazed by the liturgical wealth of our Church. After the Divine Liturgy there was an opportunity to share fellowship with the locals who prepared a meal for everyone with traditional African foods. On our departure it was clear that there was a renewal of their interest in baptism and their incorporation into Orthodoxy. It appears that our Trinitarian God is opening a new page for the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church in the much suffering and hurting Rwanda. Christ opens His embrace to all. Let us pray that His Holy Will be done.

From the Church of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris

[fancygallery id=”1″ album=”1″]

The Feast of the Dormition in Burundi

It was with particular splendour that the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated in the church dedicated to her feast in Bujumbura in Burundi. The divine services were celebrated by his Eminence Innokentios Bishop of Burundi and Rwanda surrounded by priests of his region, as well as a group of youth from the Church of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris of the Archdiocese of Athens. A large crowd participated in the celebration with solemnity and divine enthusiasm. The Divine Liturgy was followed by traditional dances by the youth if Burundi and a reception for all those present. Greeks and Africans were united under the protection of the Panagia with the love becoming of children of the Heavinly Father and and of His All Holy Mother.

From the Holy Bishopric of Burundi and Rwanda.

[fancygallery id=”2″ album=”2″]

A missionary visit to Burundi

On the 8/8/2013 a group of youth from the Church of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris in Athens, accompanied by Fr George Schinas and Fr Nektarios Stogiannis came to Burundi at the invitation of His Eminence Bishop of Burundi and Rwanda. The purpose of the visit was to assist in the bishop’s work during the period of the Dormition.

On Sunday 11/8 the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Church of St Alexios which was built in the village of Buramata with contributions of the church community of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris and the the Benevolent Committee of St Alexios the Man of God. 60 new Christians were baptised and the first 25 marriages of the village were celebrated. There are already hundreds of parishioners. It is the first living parish in Burundi. These were apostolic moments! Hearts were opened! They are people seeking the treasure of Orthodoxy. Everywhere there are hands and eyes seeking love. The bishop’s face shows his evident paternal love but also his anguish for the future. Before him you cannot remain indifferent. The harvest is plentiful…the labourers few. This is a new page for our Church. First Burundi, then Rwanda, then…all the nations.

Glory to God.

From the Church of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris

[fancygallery id=”3″ album=”3″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]