On Saturday, 25 May the Russian speaking Orthodox Community of Cape Town attended a Service at the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene at the Archbishopric in Rondebosch, in the presence of the Russian Consul general of Cape Town Mr Levin. A number of people from the Russian community in Cape Town attended the service. Father Daniel officiated at the service in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Sergios and Reverend Nicholas, parish priest of the Cathedral of Saint George in Woodstock.
The Archbishopric is a place of common ground where Orthodox faithful from different backgrounds meet. His Eminence Archbishop Sergios is very supportive of this new community and has stressed that every community of foreigners has to start somewhere, just as the with the Greek Orthodox community when they first arrived in Africa. The church is committed to assist them in every way possible in establishing themselves as a Russian Orthodox Community and to conserve their language, culture and their own customs relating to our faith.
A motivated group of Russian mothers have emerged from the meetings after the services. http://www.facebook.com/RussianMamasInCapeTown
Service of the Holy Eucharist – Russian Service – Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene – 25 May 2013.
The Metropolitan Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene was completed in 2008. The two lateral sides of the Church of have been dedicated to Saint Sergius of Radonezh, the Patron Saint of Russia and Saint Seraphim of Sarov, one of the great hermits of Russia. In 2007 His Eminence Archbishopric Sergios, accompanied the patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, His Beatitude Theodoros II on an official visit to Russia. The date coincided with his name day which falls on the day prior to the Feast Day of Saint Sergius of Radonezh. They attended a liturgy in honour of the Feast Day of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, and after the liturgy, His Eminence was given an Icon of the Saint as a gift. The following day the Holy Synod travelled to Diyevo where the monastery of Saint Seraphim of Sarov is situated. It was there that he received the gift of the icon of Saint Seraphim of Sarov to which is attached a small relic of the saint from the Archbishop, Georgios of Nizni Novgorot. On the strength of this great blessing and after discussing with Patriarch Theodoros, it was decided to dedicate the two lateral sides of the church to Saint Sergius Radonezh and Saint Seraphim of Sarov, parallel to the patron Saints of the church.
Service of the Holy Eucharist – Russian Service – Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene – 25 May 2013.