Archbishopric of Good Hope: Official opening of the new Orthodox Centre – Cape Town

The official opening and the Service for the Blessing of the new Orthodox Centre in Cape Town was celebrated on Sunday 12 January in the presence of,  Mr Thomas Matsoukas, the Greek Consul in Cape Town, Mrs Martha Savvas, representative for the Honorary Consul for Cyprus in Cape Town, Mr Dimitri Constandinides, Mr Nassos Martalas, President of the Hellenic Community of Cape Town, Dr. Mishag Galukhim, chairman of the Russian Community in Cape Town and Mr Andrew Coulbanis, President of the Hellenic Students Association in Cape Town. 
More than 150 people from the various Orthodox Communities in Cape Town attended the event which started with the ceremony of the throwing of the Holy Cross into the Centre’s pool for The Feast of Theophany. This was followed by a service for the blessing of the Centre, and a welcome address by His Eminence Archbishop Sergios.  After the address, by His Eminence, Professor Renos Papadopoulos delivered an inauguration speech.

In his address, His Eminence Archbishop Sergios told those present that the establishment of this centre was made possible by the donations of various forms given to the church over time.  A property in Port Elizabeth was left to the Metropolis by the late Mr Andreas Hadjikyriakou, a nephew of the late Archbishop Paul Varnavas. The sale of this property which was negotiated with the help of Mr. Costas Pitsiladis generated R 500,000 and together with other generous cash donations, the purchase of this centre was made possible.

His Eminence said he wished to thank everyone for the contribution they make to the Church and that without realising it, everything given to the Church finds a place of need. As an example donations of furniture, books, kitchen equipment etc. given to the Church over time have all been put to good use at the Centre.  He made special mention of the books which have filled the library and emphasised that books will always be important. God’s word was recorded in the Holy Bible and for this reason we will always cherish the written word of books.
His Eminence said it was his wish for all of us to feel at home at the Centre and invited everyone to the Archontariki to enjoy refreshments.

Περισσότερα...  http://www.goarch.co.za/official-opening-of-the-new-orthodox-centre-cape-town/#more-2592