Just last year, most of those living in the village of Nalukowi, Turkana region, Kenya, had never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. But on this special day, under the 104-degree desert sun, they came together under an Acacia tree to celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the first time with His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret and Northern Kenya. Also participating was Fr. Vladimir, who oversees four new communities, as well as four other priests from Turkana.

The celebration was made even more memorable by the presence of a delegation from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, led by Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi. The event also included a diaconate ordination, with Fr. Martin and Fr. Christopher Rowe (Associate Development Director) co-celebrating the service with His Grace and fellow Kenyan priests. The Mission Center’s Vice President Michael Kuziak, his wife Dorinda, benefactors Deborah Dillon and Dr. Steven Rakes, as well as Senior Development Officer Dan Christopulos, joined the other congregants in worship

This Divine Liturgy marked a significant effort funded by the Mission Center to bring the Gospel to ten unevangelized villages in Turkana. A Catechist from each village has been traveling monthly to Lodwar for intensive training, returning to hold weekly Reader’s services and catechize their neighbors. Meanwhile, existing priests in the area have been given additional resources to supervise Catechists, baptize the ready, and visit parishes where eventually, small structures of worship will be built.

His Grace Bishop Neofitos remarked, “I chose to give the name of Gabriel to our first Deacon ever ordained in this area, because like the Archangel Gabriel he is to always bring the Good News of salvation of Jesus Christ to the people. And I further declare that this community shall now be called the community of Archangels Michael and Gabriel.” He likened this day in Turkana to the Day of Pentecost, “where the Holy Spirit filled all things.” This special occasion was truly a testament to the Gospel’s strength in transforming lives.

Want to learn more? Click here to watch the team’s interview on the Orthodox Christian Network, where they discuss the impact of their mission in supporting Kenya’s Orthodox community.