The Orthodox Christian faithful in Seychelles celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday 28th April at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, in a service held by Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Sergios Janosevic, which marks the 10 year anniversary of the parish’s establishment in Seychelles.
The parish is part of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and All Africa and is overseen by the Archbishop of Tanzania and Seychelles, Metropolitan Demetrios (Zacharegkas) of Irinopolis.
“We are still a small community but we then remember the words of our Lord who said ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.’(Luke 12:32). It doesn’t matter how many of us there are, what is more important is the quality of faith […],” Father Sergios said.
“10 years is not a small period but is also not a long time. Our wish is to build a church, this is a very expensive endeavour and we are a small community so we cannot raise that much money but we are hopeful because God always gives opportunities.”
The Easter liturgy was attended by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Seychelles, Mr. Vladimir Belous as well as Seychellois, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek and Serbian faithful living in Seychelles, and a number of Russian and Serbian tourists spending their Easter holiday in the islands.
During the liturgy Father Sergios read the Easter message from Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa which spoke about the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Africa who are stifled financially during these times while others live on the verge of poverty or in the midst of raging wars and disasters.
“In the midst of the gloom brought by human suffering, the eternal light of the Resurrection of the Saviour radiates in splendour….Faith in the Lord who suffered and was buried and rose and the existential relationship with Him divert patience and endurance, spiritual strength and inner peace in the soul,” said the message from Patriarch Theodoros II.
“This Faith encourages us to lovingly be besides those who are suffering. Respect and care for those who are afflicted express in the most essential manner our worship of Christ, who was resurrected for our salvation. Even more so does our comprehension of our neighbours and the care for their relief, manifest our faith in the Resurrection and our practical love.”
Father Sergios concluded the service with the greeting “Christ is Risen, Indeed He is Risen” and added a note of gratitude for the donation a new portable iconostasis which was made in Russia at the initiative of a Russian Orthodox priest who visited Seychelles.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia