With special emotion and deep joy we saw and heard “Christ is Risen” from the lips of the pupils of Ambovondramanesy, where our Diocese’s school operates. A simple phrase, and yet so full of light, faith and hope, which resounded like a blessing in the hearts of us all.
The upgrading works have already begun there, the first and most essential step being the reconstruction of the well, so that it is accessible and safe for the pupils, offering them clean drinking water — a precious gift of life, dignity and care.
With special emotion we saw the eager response of the children to the efforts to learn the Greek language. We heard them pronounce Greek words and take part with joy, thanks also to the valuable contribution of Thekla, the presbytera of Father Theofanis, who with love, patience and devotion cultivates in their souls the seed of the language and of the faith.
Thus the work being done is not limited to the external upgrading of the facilities and to meeting basic needs, but touches more deeply the soul and the education of the children. They are learning the Greek language, being introduced to our church tradition, beginning to chant and to taste the spiritual wealth of Orthodoxy as it is expressed through the Greek language.
At the same time, we have the great joy and satisfaction of announcing that the children’s request for a Secondary School, in addition to the Primary, will be fulfilled as part of the redevelopment of the school. Specifically, a new wing will be created to operate as a Secondary School, so that the children will be able to continue their education and not be limited to basic primary schooling, with all that this means for their future.
In addition, we are including the teaching of the Greek language in the programme. For this reason we make an open invitation to anyone who wishes to contribute to this effort by teaching the children Greek. Those willing to offer are kindly asked to contact us, so as to contribute substantially to this blessed work. E-mail: bishopnephon@gmail.com
We are now certain that this school will become a living hearth of light — a small but real embassy of Greece, of the Greek language and of our culture in this faraway land. A place where hope is born, faith grows strong and the children’s future is lit up with prospects and dignity.