The Shepherd, October 2004
TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORTHODOX MISSION IN MADAGASCAR, 2
The mission’s objectives have always been related to evangelisation and not (as among other heretical sects) towards proselytism. For this reason, we find that the natives themselves, from the very outset, sought to find out about the the Orthodox Church, often walking hundreds of miles on foot from their villages, to reach the humble missionary priest, under whom they would receive guidance and instruction as catechumens.
On 23rd September, 1997, Madagascar was separated from the Archdiocese of Zimbabwe and, by the HolySynod, was made an independent Diocese under the Patriarchate of Alexandria. On the same day, with the blessings of Patriarch Petros VII of Alexandria, Fr Nectarios was elected as the first Bishop of Madagascar. Two months later, Bishop Nectarios was consecrated to the episcopate by Pope and Patriarch Petros VII, who was assisted by various Metropolitans. The consecration occurred at St Savvas Patriarchal Monastery in Alexandria.
With the help of God, the Orthodox Diocese of Madagascar was officially recognised on 10th May, 1999, by the Madagasy government. This was an exceptional turning point in the history of the Mission, thus further facilitating its spread across the island.
Today, the Orthodox Diocese of Madagascar incorporates 63 parishes, 13 native priests, a native nun, one novice monk, many catechists and approximately 16,000 native Orthodox Christians and catechumens.
Apart from its active part in evangelisation, the mission had always been dedicated to many philanthropic projects over the years. Some of these have included annual visits to the capital’s prisons to provide Christmas and Easter lunches for the prisoners, as well as visits to the leper colonies and various hospitals, to share out clothing among the sick. The mission has also come to the aid of many suffering Madagasy people at times when the nation has experienced great famines, devastating cyclones and political upheaval.
It must be mentioned that the Orthodox Mission plays an active rôle in the promotion of education and health. As a result, the Diocese has built 8 primary schools in areas which are particularly isolated and where children otherwise remain uneducated. In addition to this, the Mission seeks to care for some 300 orphans, providing them with financial support for their schooling and medical expenses, as well as regular food rations and clothing.
The Mission has also built a large modern medical centre which provides services in areas such as pathology, dentistry, ophthalmology, gynæcology and pharmacy. The Mission’s medical centre, which is situated in the capital city, is of an excellent standard and by far one of the best clinics offering health care in the country.
This anniversary has been marked as especially memorable for the mission by the first official visit of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Petros VII. The Patriarchal visit occurred between 2nd and 16th February, 2004. His Beatitude officially opened and blessed the Orthodox Medical Centre as well as various churches. He also blessed the foundation stone of a large theological seminary and orphanage in Antananarivo, as well as a technical school and smaller orphanage in the southern province of Tulear. The Patriarch’s presence amongst our native Orthodox brethren was truly a blessing for all. It gave courage, renewed strength and inspiration to both young and old. His Beatitude had the chance to converse with all the members of the Diocese and especially the young children, giving them spiritual guidance and courage to continue their life close to Christ and His Church.
These first ten years since the birth of the Orthodox Mission in Madagascar have been a moving testimony to the wondrous works of God in today’s modern age. The Mission’s success and rapid progress is a miracle that Christ has permitted. We are all in debt for having witnessed this miracle and pray that God continues to strengthen and bless those who toil in His vineyard.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article reached us last month simultaneously with the tragic news that Bishop Nectarios had been killed in the helicopter crash in Greece, in which Patriarch Petros VII himself was also killed. We had never met Bishop Nectarios, but, through a mutual acquaintance from Australia, we were put in touch and he corresponded with our Brotherhood during the period he was serving in Madagascar. We print this article, from which in this country too we Orthodox could learn so much about mission, as a tribute to him and his extraordinary work in bringing the light of Orthodoxy to so many people. May his Memory be Eternal and his rest with the Saints!
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