On July 7, 2024, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, the Feast of All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Land of Russia, and the Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Father Macarius Ratudzunantseraina, the parish priest, conducted the Sunday service at the Church of the Transfiguration in the village of Amparaky (Itasy region) on the island of Madagascar.

Participating in the service were students of St. Nicholas-Ugresh Theological Seminary, who had returned to Madagascar for their summer vacation. After the service, the students held a spiritual and educational discussion with the parishioners.

In April, the Madagascan students had presented at the Melekhov Conference at St. Nicholas-Ugresh Seminary. Foma Angelo delivered a report on "Orthodoxy in His Village," Timothy Jean discussed Orthodoxy in the city of Mahajanga, and Timothy Tahina spoke about Nectarios (Kelis), the first Orthodox bishop of Madagascar.

Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa students began coming to Russia for education in 2023. Before becoming seminarians, the students spent several months preparing and learning the Russian language at Moscow Pedagogical University. Currently, St. Nicholas-Ugresh Theological Seminary hosts students from Madagascar, Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, and Cameroon.

Photo: Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa / exarchate-africa.ru