Πέμπτη 23 Μαΐου 2013

Archbishopric of Good Hope: Church of the Holy Archangels celebrate their Sixth Anniversary

His Eminence Archbishop Sergios officiated at the Vespers Service on Saturday evening and at the Service of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning, 19 May. A lunch was held in the community centre after the service. In his address the chairman of the community, Mr. Stratos Kitzas, commemorated the first chairman, Sophoclis Dimopoulos and his wife Cleo, for laying the solid foundations for future generations to build on. On behalf of the committee and Archimandrite Evglogios, Mr Kritzas also thanked the Godparents of the Church, Stratis and Katina Apostolelllis and George and Voula Tyropolis, and the mothers, for their tireless efforts and hard work. All the mothers received a “mothers day” gift in appreciation.
The Hellenic Community of the Southern Cape is the most southerly, youngest and smallest Greek Community in Africa. Their  history dates back to the late 1800′s. The first community of the Southern Cape – incorporating the areas of George, Oudtshoorn and Knysna – was established in 1983, and after much difficulty became a reality in 1987. In 1991 the desire of the community was to have their own Church and Community centre. Miracles were needed to obtain their dream and many did happen. They found a property in George with a tiny building which consisted of two large rooms, a tiny kitchen and bathroom. The price of the property was almost in their price range and by the time they took transfer of the property they had raised the full purchase price. Although the building was in need of much repair they commenced almost immediately with a Greek school and church services were conducted by visiting priests in one of the rooms, thus “A Living Orthodox Church” took root in this small town. By 1997 this vibrant  and faithful community had raised almost enough money to commence the reconstruction of the building.  Building activities began in early 1998 and advanced quickly. On 2 March 1998, with the Very Reverend Sergios Kykkotis and the Very Reverend Panteleimon Labadarios in attendance, members of the community gathered at the new church for the ceremony of the “Themelio Lithos” (laying of the corner-stone).
The Church was completed in the year 2000 and was dedicated to the Pan-Majestic Archangels, aptly called “Ton Taxiarthon”, since many of the residents originated from the island of Lesvos where there is a very well known Church of the Holy Archangel Michael. The first priest , who served at the altar of the Church, was the current Metropolitan of Good Hope, His Eminence Archbishop Sergios. In 2006 the Reverend Amphilochios Vasiltsotellis, with Presvetera Anastasia and family, arrived from Greece to take up his post as resident priest. The Church of the Holy Archangels in George was consecrated on 19 May 2007 and the consecration service was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Sergios. The Very Reverend Archimandrite Evlogios Antonellos has been the resident priest for the past five years.


The service of the Holy Eucharist.
Celebrations of 6th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of the Holy Archangels – George.
Celebrations of the 6th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of The Holy Archangels – George.
Lunch celebration after the service.
His Eminence Archbishop Sergios addresses the congregation after the Vespers Service.
 
 
 
 

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