VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE AMBASSADOR OF GREECE TO THE HOLY DIOCESE OF CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE

On Saturday 19th July 2014, His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to the Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Dr.Alexander Katranis, visited the See of the Holy Diocese of Brazzaville and Gabon, accepting an invitation by His Grace Bishop Panteleimon.
The Ambassador was shown around the renovated Diocese by His Grace and his staff, was briefed on the pastoral and missionary work being undertaken, the excellent cooperation between the local Church and the state authorities and gave a brief interview on the adjacent Radio Station of the Diocese, “The Voice of Orthodoxy”.         

On Sunday 20th July, he attended the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St Dimitrios in Pointe-Noire. Prior to the end of the Eucharistic gathering His Grace addressed the Ambassador, speaking of the historic journey and productivity of Orthodox missions, through eminent Greek missionaries, priests and laity, in the broader region of Central Africa under the spiritual guidance of the ancient Patriarchal Throne of Alexandria, and pointed out the substantive contribution of the holy missionary societies which are active in Greece, for all missions in the world. He also expressed the grateful thanks of the local Church of the Congo to the Greek Ambassador for his honorary presence and through him the pious Greek people who in all manner of ways sacrificially supports, even in difficult financial times, the spiritual and material needs of the Christians on the African Equator and throughout Africa.      
In his reply His Excellency the Ambassador spoke of the spiritual and cultural ties which bind Greece with Africa, particularly with the Congo, and underlined the coupling of the Greek spiritual wealth with Orthodoxy. Furthermore, he expressed his joy on this visit, as well as his enthusiasm and emotion for the overwhelming participation of the faithful in the life of the Church. In conclusion he congratulated for his general excellent organization and operation of the Holy Diocese and passed on the fraternal greetings of the political leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, to the noble and hospitable people of the Republic of the Congo.      

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