In the aftermath of the historic visit of the Pope & Patriarch of Alexandria & All Africa Theodore II in Zambia, a “thankyou” in five acts...

Orthodox Metropolis of Zambia, February 25, 2020
Translation of Greek K.N.



Act 1: The visit of the Father of the African Orthodox Church to the Metropolis of Zambia from the 21st to the 24th of February 2020 was an excellent opportunity to reflect on – but also plan - the development of the pastoral activity of the Metropolis. The visit of His Beatitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu consolidated the Metropolis's cooperation with the Zambian government agencies. Visits of this kind are not meant to serve secular vanities, but, by following the Pauline Example, they use every possible means to 'form' Jesus Christ as smoothly as possible in the hearts of the brethren in every place.

The meeting was an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the Orthodox Mission in the country, as well as to discuss issues of common interest about the interfaith dialogue, sustainable development, the promotion of human rights and the securing of gender equality.

Emotion, lastly, caused all those present in both delegations to ask the President to pray to His Holiness for prayer for Zambia's peace and prosperity.


Act 2: A foundation stone in a challenging place. The case of the Vlahakes.

Orthodox Metropolis of Zambia


The missionary act in Orthodox theological thought cannot easily be identified with the practice of unscrupulous carriers of self-styled conventions.

The persistence in violently Christianizing - especially if linked to the offer of humanitarian aid - is a theological misstep. Herein lies the giddying difference between the Christian mission and proselytism.

But there are times when the “Cross over to Macedonia to help you” is allowed by God to be repeated in history, thus granting a unique enthusiasm.

The case of the presence of the Vlahakes on the African continent at the end of the 19th century is a special story that needs careful study. A legendary Cretan adventurer arrives in the Chirundu region of former Rhodesia and succeeds in becoming chief of a tribe now numbering more than 3,500 descendants who proudly bear his surname.



It is not by chance that the great leader and father of the Republic of Zambia Dr. Kenneth Kaunda calls them 'the 64th Race of the land'. Imagine friends, what it means to a shepherd for an entire community to ask to reconnect with the Mitre of the Church. Following the exhortation of his father, community leader Harry Vlahakis has been requesting the presence of the Orthodox Church in his area for years.

As an expression of his strong desire for spiritual rebirth, he donated to the Metropolis of Zambia a large plot of land for the creation of an Orthodox Christian missionary group. Of particular interest is the fact that his idea was unanimously accepted by the council of the indigenous tribes.

On February 23, His Holiness laid the foundation stone for this project of unique significance, amidst the dances and drums of our local brethren.



Act 3: Monument for the African Struggle at the house of the Orthodox Church in Zambia.



Orthodox Metropolis of Zambia

The culmination of the artistic expression of every people, as well as their struggles for freedom and ideals, are a universal human heritage, not a national conquest.

The hero and the artist are universal people and that is why they unite the people. The unveiling of the bust of the Father of African independence Dr. Kenneth Kaunda by His Holiness and K. Kaunda himself, illustrates the manner that the Orthodox Church is culturally embodied. It is not a matter of political importance, but rather an expression of gratitude to all those who, by their example, inspire dynamism and the desire for change, calling for perpetual change and creative self-criticism. United during the ceremony were the the 'Freedom Fighters of Zambia', the government officials, a host of diplomats, representatives of the country's judiciary body, prominent academics and members of the Greek Community.

Of emotional and symbolic significance was the moment that the elderly Dr. Kaunda was supported by the Primate of the Alexandrian Church to be accompanied up to his vehicle.

Below is an excerpt from the speech by His Eminence Metropolitan John of Zambia: “Jesus Christ invites His disciples to acknowledge His truth in the person of everyone who strives for love and freedom. Therefore, by honoring you, Mr Kaunda, we are manifesting our deep faith in the deliverer Jesus Christ, Whose blessing we pray that you will have bounteously.

It is an event of special symbolic significance that the house of the Orthodox Christian family coincides with the house that had offered its hospitality to you during a difficult period of your life.”



To be continued

You can see also

Orthodox Zambia (tag)
The Orthodox Church in Zambia & Malawi

How “White” is the Orthodox Church?
Orthodox Mission in Tropical Africa (& the Decolonization of Africa)
Ancient Christian faith (Orthodox Church) of Africa
The Orthodox Church of Alexandria 
Grace and “the Inverted Pyramid”
Weak, Sick, Poor, Tired: A Story for Losers
The Kingdom of Heaven, where racial discrimination has no place