Bukoba, Tanzania, July 22, 2021
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
The 190 parishes of the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania are served by 35 priests, meaning every priest is responsible or 3 or 4 or even more parishes.
Without a means of transportation, the hard-working clergy have had to walk for hours, or spend a significant portion of their salary to rent a means of transportation. The absence of the priests from their parishes resulted in the dissolution of some, and to the dispersion of the Orthodox faithful to various heretical groups.
However, now the priests’ long-held dream has been fulfilled.
Following the diocese’s recent clergy assembly, each of the 35 priests was given a new motorcycle, enabling them to visit their parishes much easier and more often, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The bikes were purchased with the generous sponsorship of Greek friends of the mission and blessed in the yard of the Holy Apostles Church in Bukoba.
“We wish an angel of the Lord to ever accompany the priests in their missionary expeditions and that they might become messengers of the message of the Gospel, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls who are thirsty and waiting,” said Archimandrite Chrysostomos Maidonikos.
In January, it was reported that the clergy of the Bukoba Diocese also receive some financial assistance from Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos.
In 2015-2016, the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest held a diocesan-wide fundraiser that resulted in the purchase of 30 motorcycles for Kenyan clergy.
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