VISIT BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE CONGO TO THE ORPHANAGE OF THE HOLY DIOCESE
On 31st August 2016, the Honorable Mr. Christians Rock Mabiala, Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, visited the “St Efstathios” Orphanage of the Holy Diocese of Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon. The meeting forms part of the collaboration which has developed between the local Church and the State Authorities. The Director General was welcomed and shown around the orphanage by the Reverend Fr. Paul Diafouka, Director of the Orphanage.
Prior to his departure, Mr. Mabiala, he had a telephonic conversation with His Grace Panteleimon. Bishop of Brazzaville, who was in the See of the local Church, Pointe-Noire, to whom he expressed his complete satisfaction both on the excellent living conditions of the children in the institute, as well as its legal operation.
At the same time he briefed him on the intention of the Ministry of Social Affairs to develop close working relations with the Orthodox Orphanage, where students of educational and social sciences will develop practical training on the subject of their studies. In this manner, the trainee students will participate in the lengthy experience of the workers of the institution, while they in turn will pass on to them important elements of their scientific training for the benefit of the children.
Also, following a favorable report by the inspectors of the Ministry, he proposed the introduction to the orphanage of ten new substantiated orphaned or abandoned children to replace those who recently reached adulthood and have left.
His Grace thanked the Director General – and through him the new Minister Mrs. Antoinette Dinga Djondo, with whom he will meet shortly – for the honored visit and the excellent cooperation. He also conveyed the prayers and gratitude of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, for the support of the State Authorities to the general pastoral and philanthropic work the Holy Diocese of Brazzaville and Gabon