Pastoral Trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2023

The trip covered 21 days, starting on October 18th, and as much as the people asked Bishop Nektarios for more time, for him to attend to all of their needs, it was impossible.

Seven priests were ordained, two deacons were ordained, and one monk was tonsured.

Tshikapa#

Five priests were ordained in Tshikapa: Fathers Joseph, Zacharie, Jean, Spyridon and Clement. One deacon was ordained: Father Pierre. Deacon Augustin was received and chrismated. One monk was tonsured: Monk Gregory.

Bishop Nektarios in white and gold vestments with a priest and a hieromonk — Bishop Nektarios arrives in Tshikapa

Bishop Nektarios with the newly ordained Father Clement, in red vestments, raising his hand — Ordination of Father Clement

Father Mardarius and the faithful in front of the thatched shelter of the Church of Saint Andrew — Church of Saint Andrew — with Father Mardarius

Kananga#

After travelling about 450 kilometers on motorcycles, at night, they arrived at the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Kananga. A multitude of people welcomed them. The people had been waiting for them the whole day, from the morning.

Father Lucien was ordained a priest, and Father Alfred was ordained a deacon.

Bishop Nektarios among the pupils and faithful of Saint Gregory Palamas School, a woman dancing to greet him — Saint Gregory Palamas School

Children and faithful with the clergy in front of the Church of Saints Cyprian and Justine — Church of Saints Cyprian and Justine — under the care of Father Dimitrios

Children sitting on benches in an open classroom under a sheet-metal roof — Church of Saints Cyprian and Justine — School Classrooms

The clergy with the faithful and children in front of the thatched Church of Saint Gregory the Theologian — Church of Saint Gregory the Theologian

Dhilembue#

Bishop Nektarios could only describe the faithful in Dhilembue, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, in these words: “The joy of Christians was too much to compare.”

Father Samuel was ordained to the priesthood.

Bishop Nektarios and the clergy in white vestments in the Church of the Holy Trinity — Church of the Holy Trinity

The Church of the Holy Trinity full of children and faithful, icons along the walls — Church of the Holy Trinity

Bishop Nektarios vesting Father Samuel at his ordination — Ordination of Father Samuel

Father David with children and faithful in front of thatched school buildings — Visiting the church and various schools under the care of Father David

Summary#

Despite the challenges of the trip, Bishop Nektarios was full of joy that the Church in the Congo has new clergy and is growing. He observed that the faithful in the Congo are poor, but that they are generally thankful and content. The infrastructure of the churches and schools have improved since his last visit. But above everything, the love and joy of the faithful rises above everything. Their love for each other, for the clergy, and for the true Church.