His Grace Mathews Mar Thimothiose Visits South Africa

Inter-Orthodox Relations

Indian-Coptic Orthodox Churches

H. G Mathews Mar Thimothiose (Indian Orthodox Church- Diocese of UK, Europe and Africa)arrived at Johannesburg International airport on 26th January 2010. Rev. Fr. Bejoy Varghese along with other church members welcomed him. In the evening he was the special guest for the Independence Day celebration at Indian High Commissioner, Johannesburg.

On 27th January Coptic Bishop H.G Antonius Markos received him at his residence. They discussed about different issues faced by the Orthodox churches in Africa. On the next day both the Bishops visited the Coptic Monastery and Retreat Centre at Cullinan and there they received a traditional reception by the monks.

On 28th of January, the Metropolitan met the members of Groblersdal unit. He received a warm welcome from the unit members. Around 100 members were present for the reception.

On 30th January, His Grace celebrated Holy Qurbana at St Stephens Anglican Church at Sunninghill. In the afternoon he addressed the members of the St. Thomas Orthodox Youth Forum.

On 31st January, Metropolitan Mar Thimoteos celebrated Holy Qurbana at St. Marks Cathedral, Johannesburg. Around 250 members participated in the celebration. After the Holy Qurbana, the members of St. Thomas Orthodox Congregation organised an official welcome. His Grace released the church Newsletter “Orthodoxia” and also a 2010 dairy of St. Thomas Orthodox Youth Forum.

OBL News Service