Pastoral visit to the indigenous of Northern Congo

April 2015

From 3rd to 6th April 2015, His Grace Bishop Panteleimon paid a pastoral visit to the Parish Community of Impfondo in Northern Congo. At the city airport, he was welcomed by the Parish Priest Fr. Sergios Mabalemo and the parish council. Later on, he was welcomed by the elder Orthodox leader of the Pygmy tribe at the house serving as the temporary place of worship.

During his stay in Impfondo, Bishop Panteleimon had the opportunity for a lengthy collaboration with Fr Sergios and the members of the parish of Ss. John Forerunner and Nicholas on the progress of the pastoral work. He also met with the faithful regarding spiritual and other issues and inspected the progress of the building works of the Holy Church of Ss. John Forerunner and Nicholas, the first Orthodox church in the north of the country.

On Palm Sunday, April 5, he conducted the Divine Liturgy, preached the homily and gave out mosquito nets to all the faithful for their protection from the contagious malaria disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes.

In the afternoon, he traveled to the tropical forest where the Pygmies live. Following the kind welcome and the address of the respected leader of the tribe, His Grace spoke simply about the importance of the Holy Week and the Resurrection of the Lord. He also distributed clothing to the children of these indigenous people.

On April 6, he departed by air for the capital Brazzaville.
From the Holy Diocese

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