Near the town of Tulbagh in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, construction of a chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord is underway. The work is being carried out by parishioners of the Church of St. John Climacus in Cape Town, under the guidance of their rector, Father Nikolai Esterhuizen, reports the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.

Last week, parishioners made another visit to the construction site. Guided by Father Nikolai, they cleared the land and laid the foundation for a wall that will enclose the church property.

Construction of the chapel began in December 2023. Later, a cross, also made by the parishioners of St. John Climacus, was installed near the chapel under construction.

The house church dedicated to St. John Climacus in Cape Town was established thanks to the efforts of the rector and parishioners, with the first liturgy held there in April 2023. Services are conducted in Church Slavonic, English, and Afrikaans. Members of the community actively contribute to the church's adornment: in October 2024, new icons painted by parishioner Xenia Zimmerman were consecrated.