Talmiche, Huehuetenango Department, Guatemala, February 22, 2024
Photo: thewordfromguatemala.com
A 2.5-year project in the mountains of Guatemala has come to an end with the formal opening of a new Orthodox seminary and mission center.
Construction began in mid-June 2021 with a moleben for the blessing of holy water, and now the new center “that will serve the spiritual, educational and administrative needs of the faithful” is open, reports Fr. John Chakos at the Word From Guatemala blog.
Photo: thewordfromguatemala.com
The seminary-mission center was built with support from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, many generous donors, and hundreds of volunteers from various villages throughout Guatemala. 500,000 Guatemalans were received into the Church in January 2010, and the flow has continued since then.
More than 3,000 people were in attendance for the Divine Liturgy and the opening of the seminary-missionary center by Archbishop Athenagoras, who also announced his retirement to his flock.
“The palpable joy that filled this day reflected the vibrant Christian faith of the long-suffering Mayan people who endured much throughout their tragic history, but never lost hope,” writes Fr. John. “May this new beginning be for them a lasting renewal of their life in Christ and a stepping stone to a blessed and glorious future for generations to come.”
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