Parish of Saint Stephanos the First Martyr celebrates feast day in Karama, Tanzania

On Wednesday, 27 December 2023, the memory of Saint Stephanos the First Martyr was celebrated at the Parish of Saint Stephanos in the city of Karama in Tanzania.

His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba presided over the feast day Divine Liturgy and was joined by the Parish Priest, Father Timotheos, Father Markos, Parish Priest of Rukoma and Deacon Datios.

Despite the heavy rain, many Christians from Karama, but also from neighbouring parishes participated in the feast day celebrations, walking in the rain and mud.

At the same time, the memory of the late monk Stephanos, Elder of the Holy Cell of Saint Nektarios Bouranda of the Xenophontos Monastery, was also honoured, who was a benefactor of the Parish, on the occasion of the nine months since his falling asleep in the Lord.

«Makumbuso ya mille» “Eternal be the memory” was chanted by all the faithful Christians, praying for the repose of the soul of the blessed Elder Father Stephanos.

Because of the rain, the faithful were content to sing and converse with their Bishop, studying the Acts of the Apostles which spoke of Saint Stephanos the First Martyr.

Thus, simply and lovingly, Saint Stephanos and Monk Stephanos, the benefactor, were honoured.