With the blessing of the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, the chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Priest George Maximov, visited Ghana.
On October 4, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Priest George Maximov celebrated the first Divine Liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ghana.
The service was attended by A.E. Ordash, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Ghana, Milutin Stanojević, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Ghana, staff members of the Russian diplomatic mission, and fellow countrymen.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a prayer service for the blessing of water and a memorial service were celebrated.
Those who wished were able to confess, receive Holy Communion, commemorate their loved ones, and receive holy water.
The day before, the priest performed the sacrament of Baptism for a fellow Russian.
The priest’s visit from Russia took place in response to a request from members of the Russian Orthodox Church residing in the country.
After the service, Father George invoked God’s blessing upon those gathered and assured them that spiritual care for local believers would continue. He also expressed his gratitude to the head of the Russian House in Accra, who kindly provided the venue for the service.
On the same day, Father George performed the rite of consecration of the Russian House.
Ambassador A.E. Ordash noted that the celebration of the Divine Liturgy could be the first step toward establishing a permanent parish of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country. “This is the first Divine Liturgy in the country’s history to be celebrated by a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church. A cornerstone that, in the future, may become the foundation of a Russian Orthodox parish here in Ghana,” said the Russian diplomat.
The ambassador emphasized that the establishment of an Orthodox community will help unite compatriots living in Ghana who adhere to the Orthodox faith.
In addition, he noted the humanitarian significance of the development of the Orthodox community. According to him, this is yet another bridge connecting the peoples of Ghana and Russia, since the majority of residents in both countries are Christians.
The Serbian ambassador, who attended the service along with his wife and a representative of the Serbian community, also highlighted the significance of the first service. “I hope this event becomes a regular one and will likely lead to the establishment of a church, because there is a community here and it needs the Word of God,” said the ambassador.
Photo: “African Initiative” News Agency
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
