Fr. Chrysostomos Papasarantopoulos: Memorial service in Kinshasa
It has been 43 years since the second Orthodox missionary of Africa, late Fr. Chrysostomos Papasarantopoulos (1903-1972), passed away in the Lord. His missionary and spiritual work in African countries where he lived and acted (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Congo) sprouted out deep roots into the hearts of the Africans and bore plentiful spiritual fruits. Thousands of Africans were baptized into Orthodoxy, many Orthodox communities were founded, many locals became priests. The saplings of Orthodox faith that were planted by this passionate, selfless and tireless missionary have now grown big and gone out to many countries of the African continent. Nowadays, Fr. Chrysostomos’ spiritual children give gratitude to him, keeping him in their memory and respectfully honoring his memory.
The holy duty of respect to Fr. Chrysostomos’ memory was also paid out by His Eminence bishop Nikiphoros of Kinshasa. On Saturday, December 27, he celebrated his official memorial service at St. Athanasios the Athonite church, in devout concentration, together with many priests and deacons of the Holy Diocese and with the participation of all the Orthodox students and many other invitees. Afterwards, in the Orthodox University hall followed the civil ceremony in his memory, in which spoke many students and priests, presenting Fr. Chrysostomos’ holy life and missionary work. Among others spoke Fr. Gerasimos from Kananga, who knew Fr. Chrysostomos in person and brought with him a piece of his sanctified relics.
At that time, Mr. Vaios Prantzos, the former president of the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity, was in Kinshasa for missionary reasons and participated in the ceremony. He gave a short address and emphasized the spiritual link that Fr. Chrysostomos had with the Fraternity as its spiritual founder. The event was closed by Metropolitan Nikiphoros, who referred to the spiritual bonds that connected him and his family with the late missionary.
May his memory be eternal.
Source: OCP
