On December 30th, with the blessing of Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All of Africa, Metropolitan George of Zimbabwe conducted three hundred and twenty-seven baptisms for catechumens in the parish of St. Nektarios in Harare. The majority of the converts were youth and young adults who had completed a catechism class over the past 12 months. Those who assisted His Eminence at the baptismal service were Protopresbyter George Saganis from Athens, and the African priests Fr. Raphel Ganda and Fr. Augustine Moketsi (supported by the SAMP Program of the OCMC) and the newly-ordained Deacon Demetrios Nyandebvu.
Zimbabwe, located just north of South Africa, has a population of 12 million people and is endowed with many natural resources. It has gone through many economic and social changes in the last three decades as it establishes its independence. In the last fifteen years the Orthodox Church has been active in bringing the Light of Christ to this country. Missionary centers are active meeting places for all age groups, offering catechism and the fullness of the liturgical life. In fall of 2009, the first OCMC Teaching Team traveled to Zimbabwe to offer catechetical lessons and offer a sign of love and solidarity to the faithful.
His Eminence George was elected as the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe on October 27, 2004; he has developed three mission centers and a vibrant outreach into the communities, encouraging the growth that has happened in the last few years.
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