Remembering people in custody
Christ includes visiting those in prison in His account of love expressed through action. The Church recognises each person in prison as a neighbour, worthy of prayer, attention and humane care.
The mission partner describes visits to correctional institutions, with food, hygiene supplies and Orthodox books. This ministry brings together practical assistance and the possibility of spiritual encouragement. Its purpose is presence and service, carried through appropriate cooperation with the institutions concerned.
Sources: Matthew 25:31–46 · PRISON MINISTRY
Visiting prisoners in Iringa
In July 2026, a report recorded a visit to Iringa Correctional Centre. Food and personal hygiene items were distributed, along with Orthodox spiritual books translated into Swahili. The account places practical supplies and reading side by side, while recording the Church’s meeting with the prison administration.
During that visit, the Metropolitan announced an intention to explore assistance for people facing financial obstacles to release. This proposed area of service would extend the ministry's pastoral concern to another difficulty experienced by prisoners and their families.
The sisters’ visit to the women’s prison
An August 2026 account describes sisters from Archangel Michael Monastery visiting Iringa Women’s Prison. They brought food, hygiene items and books, and spent time offering encouragement. The report also notices the presence of mothers and infants, widening attention to the needs of families affected by imprisonment.
The visits bring together the sisters, those who prepare useful supplies, supporters and the institutions receiving them. This shared work creates opportunities for conversation, prayer and personal attention within the circumstances of prison life.
Enquiring about prison ministry
Visitors can read the dated accounts and enquire about the prison ministry as a whole. A short first message can name this ministry and ask about current, approved ways of assisting. The recipient institution and suitability of any proposed supplies need to be confirmed before items are collected or sent.
For an initial enquiry, describe your general interest in the ministry. Personal circumstances and individual cases are handled through the responsible people and appropriate private channels.
Sources: Collection of supplies for the shipment of a humanitarian container to Tanzania
Sources and further reading
- Matthew 25:31–46
- PRISON MINISTRY
- “I Was in Prison, and You Came unto Me” (Matthew 25:36) His Eminence Metropolitan Agathonikos of Arusha pays a pastoral visit to the Iringa correctional centre in Central Tanzania
- Visit of the Nuns of the Holy Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Kintamali to the Iringa Women’s Prison
- Collection of supplies for the shipment of a humanitarian container to Tanzania
