Construction of church dedicated to the Holy Mandylion begins in Madagascar’s capital

DECR Communication service, 02.10.2026.

On the 28th of September 2026, Archpriest Dimitry Matyienko, rector of the church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius, arrived in Antananarivo, the capital of the Republic of Madagascar. In addition to his existing duties, the priest has been appointed rector of the newly established parish in the capital. He has been entrusted with the construction and fitting out of a church dedicated to the Holy Mandylion, or Image “Not-Made-by-Hands” of the Saviour.

On his first day, Father Dimitry met with local priests to discuss the construction work.

The following day, a number of working meetings were held with construction companies, and the necessary building materials were purchased.

Sticharia, holy chrism and incense were handed over to Priest Vasily Randrianayvu, Dean of the Northern Ecclesiastical District of Madagascar.

On the 30th of September, the feast day of the Martyrs Faith, Hope and Charity and their mother Sophia, Archpriest Dimitry, concelebrating with Priest Alexy Erizu, celebrated a moleben for the commencement of construction. Following the service, the builders began work, reports the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.

On the 1st of October, Father Dimitry visited servicemen of the Africa Corps in Madagascar. The priest spoke to them about the significance of repentance, after which he heard the confessions of those who wished to confess. The Divine Liturgy was then celebrated, at which many of the servicemen received Holy Communion. Some received the Holy Mysteries of Christ for the first time. At the conclusion of the service, the priest delivered a sermon and spoke with those present.

Father Dimitry presented the Corps headquarters with a diptych icon depicting Christ Pantocrator and the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

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Construction of church dedicated to the Holy Mandylion begins in Madagascar’s capital

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons