Greetings of His Excellency Mr. A. A. Makarov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of South Africa

Dear compatriots!

It is a joy to realize that nowadays we are witnessing a universal revival of the national self-awareness of our people, of their high spiritual values and ideals, and of their pride for our centuries-old cultural traditions. Today, Russian people who were separated by destiny from their Motherland are once again feeling united with it. They are sharing the joys and sorrows of Russia, and are feeling the need to strengthen their spiritual ties with it.

The Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Johannesburg makes every Orthodox person feel at home, even thousands of kilometres away from the Motherland. People can pray in their native language, receive spiritual support, communicate with their compatriots or just walk beside those so-familiar silver birches that are dear to our hearts, which grow in the grounds of the Church. It is especially good to know that the Church exists owing to the spiritual outpouring and efforts of hundreds of people in Russia and overseas. The collaborative efforts of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in South Africa, the Russian company “Stroytransgaz” and other Russian companies, the help of our compatriots, the efforts of the Rectors of the St. Sergius Parish, the noble work of the architect and of the builders has enabled the creation of a beautiful Church complex from a small home-church which is now an architectural pearl of South Africa.

For native South African citizens, our Church is a unique opportunity to come into contact with the thousands of years old spiritual tradition of Russian Orthodoxy, to witness the beauty of Russian Church Architecture and to experience a connection with Russian culture and history.

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador
of the Russian Federation in the Republic of South Africa
Mr. A. A. Makarov