Welcome to the website of the Orthodox Archbishopric of Good Hope!
We are the local presence of the “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church” on the southern tip of Africa. The Orthodox Church has passed on the Christian faith since the time of the Apostles and it was established in Africa when Saint Mark preached the Good News of Jesus Christ in Alexandria in the middle of the first century A.D. Continue reading…
His Eminence Archbishop Sergios officiated at the Vespers Service on Saturday evening and at the Service of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning, 19 May. A lunch was held in the community centre after the service. In his address the chairman of the community, Mr. Stratos Kitzas, commemorated the first chairman, Sophoclis Dimopoulos and his wife Cleo, for laying the solid foundations for future generations to build on. On behalf of the committee and Archimandrite Evglogios, Mr Kritzas also thanked the Godparents of the Church, Stratis and Katina Apostolelllis and George and Voula Tyropolis, and the mothers, for their tireless efforts and hard work. All the mothers received a “mothers day” gift in appreciation. Continue reading
Today, on the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers, we hear Saint Mark’s account of how the holy women had gone to the tomb of Christ to anoint His body, only to be met by an angel with the news that He was Risen.
We have been hearing and celebrating the news of Christ’s Resurrection for the past two weeks, and we know that the Resurrection is at the centre of our faith. Yet it must have been rather a shock for these women, who were already traumatized by the Crucifixion, to be met with the news that Christ’s body was no longer in the tomb. They can hardly be blamed for being frightened and it is not surprising that it took a while for them to grasp what had happened. Continue reading
His Eminence Archbishop Sergios officiated at the Vespers service on Saturday evening and at the Service of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, in the presence of the chairman of East London and environs, Mr Andreas Efstratiou. Refreshments were served after the Vespers service organised by the ladies of the community. After the Service of the Holy Eucharist the Celebrations continued with a Panigiri for the Patron Saint of their Church and community and a traditional lunch was served with delicious “Souvla” and “Loukomades.” Continue reading
On 11 May His Eminence Archbishop Sergios traveled to East London for the Feast Day celebrations for Saint George and a special blessing of the private Chapel of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. Traditionally churches in rural areas are visited by a priest the week after Easter for a special blessing. Continue reading
Today, the first Sunday after Pascha, is known as Thomas Sunday, for we hear how Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostle Thomas and strengthened his faith.
Saint John tells us that Jesus Christ had appeared to the Apostles after the Resurrection, confirming their mission and breathing on them the Holy Spirit. However, Saint Thomas was not with them on this occasion, and insisted that he would not believe unless Christ appeared to him too. And eight days after the Resurrection Jesus Christ came to him. Overcome by faith, Thomas cried out: “My Lord and my God.” Continue reading
Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene – Vespers Service.
The Feast Day of the Saints was celebrated at the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene at the Archbishopric in Rondebosch, Cape Town. The Vespers service was held on 6 May which was followed by a cocktail evening for all present. It was a very special service as the relics of the saints were displayed to be venerated. Continue reading
Come receive the Light. Church of the Holy Dormition of the Mother of God, Port Elizabeth, Pascha 2013.
The Holy Myrrhbearers
The gospels tell us of various women who followed Jesus as He went around Galilee, preaching and healing the sick. They supported Him from their own means, and remained faithful to Him when He was arrested and crucified. Continue reading →