The Nativity of the God-Man was celebrated with devotion and spiritual euphoria in all the Parish Communities of Congo-Brazzaville. His Eminence Panteleimon Metropolitan of Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon, served the Divine Liturgy at midnight at the temporary Cathedral of St Dimitrios in Pointe-Noire, during which he read the Patriarchal Encyclical of the Nativity of Christ, from Theodoros II, the Venerable Primate of the Alexandrian Church.
He also blessed and gave to the under-construction enormous Holy Cathedral a new bell, which is a donation from the Holy Monastery of Simon-Peter on Mount Athos.
The surprise visit of “Father Christmas” spread joy among the children, when he gave them gifts (new clothing and toys) which His Eminence secured through the beneficial support of Greek brothers and sisters. A festive gathering followed, in the grounds of the Holy Church, with the sounds of traditional musical instruments.