Theophania and the church in her house

Khanya e isoe ho Molimo holimo

(Orthodox Christian blog from South Africa)

Today [26 August 2018] we went, as we do on alternate Sundays, to Mamelodi East where we join Theophania and the church in her house for the Hours and Readers Service. We used to meet in a school classroom, until they put the rent up, and then we began meeting in the houses of members, usually the oldest and most infirm. Theophania Malahlela has difficulty in walking, so we meet in her house.Today is the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, and the Epistle reading seemed especially appropriate for a house church — the closing slautation of St Paul’s first letter to the Corintians (I Cor 16:13-24).:

I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Shabi and Kamo Malahlela with their new books. Behind them is their great grandmother Theophania.

And so as the church that used to meet in the house of Aquila and Priscilla greeted the church in Corinth, so the church that meets in the house of Theophania greets Holy Transfiguration Church in Georgia, USA.
About a month ago we had a visitor from that churcfh, Carlie Frederick, who came with us to Divine Liturgy at St Sergius of Radonezh in Midrand, and bought us a gift of some books written by their deacon, Fr Deacon Stephen Muse.
This morning we gave the books to the youngest members of the church that meets in Theo9phania’s house, her great grandchildre4n, Shabi and Kamo Malahlela. We hope they enjoy reading them.
So thanks to Deacon Stephen Muse for sending the books, and Theophania and the Church that meets in her house send greetings.

More on the Mamelodi Church here 

Orthodox Christians in South Africa - Mamelodi Congregation
Mamelodi (South Africa) : Christina Mothapo’s funeral
The Orthodox Church in the Republic of South Africa
St Nicholas of Japan, a multi-ethnic orthodox parish in Johannesburg
Afrikaans Ortodoks