The history of the Church

An Orthodox presence before the new Diocese

The creation of a Diocese in 2016 was a new chapter in an older history. Mission accounts remember Archimandrite Nikodimos Sarikas, who worked in the Moshi area before his death in 1941, as an important early figure in Orthodox missionary and charitable activity. His memory places the present Church within a history of witness that reaches beyond its current boundaries and institutions.

Arusha also has a history of Greek community life. The Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, associated with the grounds of Saint Constantine school, links that earlier community with the city's present Orthodox worship. A Patriarchal visit in 2016 recalled the community's educational contribution and looked ahead to further missionary and theological work in Arusha.

Sources: Missionary Center of Arusha · The Patriarch in the centre of Africa: pastoral visit to Arusha, October 2016

The new Diocese: November and December 2016

On 17 November 2016 the Holy Synod in Alexandria heard the foundation Tomos of the newly established Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania. The Synod elected Archimandrite Agathonikos Nikolaidis as its first bishop. The Diocese therefore began within the canonical care and missionary life of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.

On 11 December 2016 Patriarch Theodoros II ordained Agathonikos bishop at Saint Savvas in Alexandria. His new responsibility brought together the care of existing Orthodox communities and the development of mission in the region.

Sources: Hierarchical elections at the Patriarchate of Alexandria, 17 November 2016 · The ordination of Bishop Agathonikos of Arusha and Central Tanzania, 11 December 2016

Receiving the first bishop in Iringa

The enthronement followed on 30 April 2017 at Saint Demetrios church in Iringa. The preceding day included baptisms at Kindamali. Together these events show the new Diocese taking shape among worshipping communities, with Iringa and its mission centre playing an important role from the beginning.

Sources: Enthronement of the Bishop of Arusha and Central Tanzania, report published 14 May 2017

Growing through shared service

In July 2017 the Missionary Shelter of Saint Dionysios of Olympus was established to support African mission. Its connection with the Metropolitan's monastery helped form a continuing partnership with the Church in Central Tanzania. The association describes support for worship, teaching and practical care, with members, donors and volunteers contributing to the work.

The subsequent story includes church building and renovation, Swahili publications, food distribution, education, water projects and healthcare. The mission partner's retrospective presents these as connected parts of the Church's service. Their history belongs to local priests and communities, monastics, medical and educational workers, volunteers and supporters together.

Sources: Missionary Shelter of Saint Dionysios of Olympus: who we are · Missionary Shelter: Nine years of offering

Recent chapters in the life of the Church

The Church's regional relationships are visible in the Metropolitan's temporary care of Bukoba, documented by the Patriarchate in January 2020. In Arusha, the Patriarch's May 2022 visit included worship at the Annunciation church and encouragement for the new cathedral and mission-centre project.

Construction and pastoral work have continued alongside each other. Recent reports describe the cathedral still being built and ongoing clergy formation and service in the Iringa region. An October 2026 Patriarchate report uses the title Metropolitan of Arusha for Agathonikos.

Sources: Message of peace and unity in the re-established Diocese of Bukoba, 23 January 2020 · Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in Arusha, 29 May 2022 · Construction of the Holy Cathedral Church of Panagia in Arusha · Twenty-two years of Patriarch Theodoros II: anniversary report, 10 October 2026