Mass Baptisms and Blessing of the Waters in Zimbabwe

Diocese of Zimbabwe

Orthodox Christian Mission Center

On Saturday, January 3, 2009, with the Grace of God and the prayers and blessings of His Beatitude THEODOROS II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, mass baptisms took place at the new Missionary Centre in Warren Park, on the outskirts of Harare. The gatherings of the catechumens had been taking place over the past few months at the home of one of the faithful, who gladly offers his home for these meetings. They would gather on a Saturday and celebrate the Divine Liturgy in his yard once a month. His Eminence, Metropolitan George of Zimbabwe, celebrated the sacrament together with Father George Saganis and Father Augustine Moeketsi. Also present were the catechists, the Lady of the Churches, Mrs. Ariadne Psillos, and members of the Hellenic Community. 160 catechumens, most of whom were little children, were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, becoming members of the Orthodox Church – and for the first time received the Divine Sacrament. Following the baptisms, food, clothing, and shoes were distributed to all the newly-illumined as well as to all the faithful present.

On Wednesday, January 7, 2009, the Service of the Blessing of the Waters and the submerging of the Precious Cross took place at the Missionary Centre of St Nektarios in the Baptistry within the Missionary Centre. Many youth dived into the baptistery to bring out the Precious Cross. This year Yiannis Mutimhirakai (of the boys) and Athina Metemeri (of the girls) each received a gold cross and a prize. On the same day, prizes were given to those who had passed the catechism exams at the end of the school year, in which many youth had received distinctions. A film was then shown, food was offered, and gifts given to all the children.

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