It makes sense to publish the circular written by Father
Athanasius, the Rector of the Saint Nicholas of Japan
Brixton-Johannesburg Greek Orthodox community in South Africa
(Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa) with regards to Tomorrow's
memorial service for the repose of late President Nelson Mandela.
Fr. Athanasius tracks back into history and the past - only
recently - years of "exclusion". We all have it - also in the
Middle-East as it has been present and is still quite dangerously active
in the East-European and Former Soviet Union. Reconciliation and
pardon, release and unchaining the ties of the prisoners is the real
task of the Christians on their way to and with the Resurrected.
it is also quite special this year as we commemorate the 1700th
anniversary of the Edict of Milan, the recognition, acceptance and even
refunding of the Christians within the East-West Roman Empire by the
time of Constantine and Helena in 313 A.D.
It goes on. May we all be one and pray for each other, for the
repose of late President Nelson Mandela in the poly-chromatic and so
diversified South African society.
Here is the statement:
Beloved Brothers and Sisters
As you may be aware that it is a sad day, as well as a day to
celebrate the life well lived of our former president Mandela, I would
like to remind you of the Byzantine era whereby due to the wisdom of
St. Constantine and his mother Helen the churches got freedom to worship
and thrived. During the Apartheid era, we know that worship was not
permitted in some quarters.
You may be aware that any Greek priest who was sent here in those
years, had to declare that he was only coming to serve the Greek
community not going to the black community. As a result this Orthodox
faith failed to penetrate to the African people of black and coloured
decent. This was a very painful experience that none will wish to
experience. After 1994, and subsequently as years progressed, our faith
has been able to penetrate through to Black and Coloured and to non
Greek communities everywhere in South Africa. It has become a faith for
all.
For all this to happen people had to sacrifice their life. One of
them was Mandela who also after being released, united everyone and made
the country one, despite of the painful past. We are worshipping as a
multi-ethnic, multi-racial community sitting side by side, sharing a
cup of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, being baptised in
the same baptismal font. We share birthdays and wedding parties and
funerals, all because of this great man who created this change. My
beloved members we all belong to the Orthodox Church and we also belong
to this great country. We are all reaping the fruits of liberation.
As our small contribution, just as our Archbishop has directed, we
will have a memorial service at our church after the Divine Liturgy
tomorrow,(8th December). Please all try to attend. After the memorial
service we will conclude by our South Africa National Anthem, the hymn
that reminds us of how great a nation we are and our resilient unity
within diversity.
As your parish priest I share with you this grief. Together let us
ask God to place his Soul where the righteous dwells, the mercies of
God, and the kingdom of heaven. May the Lord forgive us all that we may
have done knowing or unknowing, in thoughts or deeds, for there is no
one without sin except God.
May his memory be eternal.
With love and gratitude to God for the freedom of worship we all enjoy
Your parish priest
Fr Athanasius.
