Joint prayer of the two parishes

On 27 March 2024, on the day of commemoration of the Monk Venedict of Nursia and the Theodore Icon of the Mother of God, the rector of the parish of the Monk Sergius of Radonezh, Archpriest Daniel Lugovoi, together with the rector of the parish of the Monk John the Ladder-bearer from Cape Town, Priest Nicholas Esterhuizen, celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Together with Fr Nicholas, his parishioners also arrived in Johannesburg. It was the first time that Orthodox Christians from Johannesburg and Cape Town prayed together. The service was accompanied by the singing of a combined choir from both parishes.

After the service, the rector warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for the initiative, which contributed to the strengthening of fraternal relations between the parishes, expressing hope for the development of a good tradition of mutual visits. Father Nicholas in his response expressed his gratitude to the parish of St Sergius of Radonezh for the warm welcome. He also noted the pastoral labours of Father Daniel, who for many years had been feeding the Orthodox faithful in Cape Town, long before the Russian Orthodox Church opened parishes there. "The seeds that were once sown have now borne abundant spiritual fruit," emphasised the rector of the parish of St John the Ladder-bearer.

The fellowship continued over a meal in the parish centre. After the meal, Archpriest Daniel Lugovoy led a tour of the church, telling the guests about its history and shrines.