Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa |06 February 2015

Archbishop Dimitrios calls on President Michel

His Eminence Metropolitan Dimitrios (Themistoklis Zacharegkas), Archbishop of Tanzania and Seychelles of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa, yesterday called on President James Michel at State House.

His Eminence is in Seychelles to visit the Orthodox community which coincides with his 10-year anniversary as Archbishop of Tanzania and Seychelles
He was accompanied by Vicar General, Father Fotios (Evangelos Chatziantomiou), Honorary Consul for Greece in Seychelles, Tasos Pantazopulos, Vicar of the Orthodox Church parish of Seychelles, Father Sergios Janosevic and representative of Orthodox in Europe, Marco Mirti.

Also present during the meeting was the secretary general in the Office of the President, Lise Bastienne.

The President congratulated the Archbishop for the excellent work he is doing in Africa such as contributing tremendously to the care of the children of Tanzania, where he resides.

In an interview with the local press, His Eminence said his discussions with the President centred on how the Orthodox community in Seychelles can be well organised with their spiritual and philanthropic activities.

“I was seven years close to Mother Teresa in Calcutta to help her for different philanthropic activities. It is my dream as we did in Tanzania with 10 clinics, 7 schools for orphans, 2 orphanages and about 160 other different philanthropic activities, to have the opportunity to do the same for the people of Seychelles. To stay close to them, pray for them and with the support of our European and American brothers to do something in that paradise where Jesus sent us,” said His Eminence.

Referring to the current religious wars going on, Archbishop Dimitrios said the Orthodox church gives only love.
Archbishop Dimitrios is from Soho Thessaloniki and he travels frequently to his homeland.

To commemorate his visit to Seychelles, the Seychelles “Saint Dimitrios” Parish of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa are inviting Christian Orthodox to meet the Archbishop at 9am on Sunday February 9 at the Eden Bleu hotel ballroom on Eden Island for the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy.