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Arusha Archdiocese · Iringa

Holy Cross Orthodox Parish

Makongat

Makongat · Iringa Region · Tanzania

Welcome to Holy Cross in Makongat. We gather for worship, share the Orthodox faith and care for one another in the life of our community.

Exterior of Holy Cross church in Makongat.
Holy Cross church, Makongat.

Life in the parish

Faith lived together.

Holy Cross appears in the January 2026 report of a celebration honouring Saint Dionysios of Olympus.

Clergy and congregation gathered for worship at Holy Cross parish in Mankogati.
A feast-day gathering at Holy Cross, Mankogati. Source / credit · Missionary Shelter of Saint Dionysios of Olympus

January worship and fellowship

The mission report published on 28 January 2026 records Matins and the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross parish in Mankogati, with Metropolitan Agathonikos presiding. The occasion honoured Saint Dionysios of Olympus, whose monastery and supporting association are connected with the mission.

A fellowship meal followed, with support from the Stuttgart group, joining the community's worship to a shared table.

Sources: The feast day of Saint Dionysios of Olympus in Central Tanzania

The Cross at the centre of Christian faith

The Gospel of John places the Cross at the heart of Christ’s Passion, describing His self-offering and the presence of His mother and beloved disciple. The parish’s dedication directs attention to this saving event.

Sources: John 19:17–30

Sources and further reading

Our village

Makongat

Holy Cross is based in Makongat, in Iringa Region. The parish is part of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania.

The Archdiocese in TanzaniaEight regions of the Archdiocese are highlighted within Tanzania. Regional boundaries: Tanzania NBS / UN OCHA ROSA, via geoBoundaries (2018). CC BY 3.0 IGO. Archdiocesan regions highlighted.DodomaArushaKilimanjaroTangaMorogoroPwaniDar-es-salaamLindiMtwaraRuvumaIringaMbeyaSingidaTaboraRukwaKigomaShinyangaKageraMwanzaMaraManyaraNjombeKataviSimiyuGeitaSongweKaskazini UngujaKusini UngujaMjini MagharibiKaskazini PembaKusini PembaArushaKilimanjaroManyaraSingidaDodomaIringaNjombeMbeya
Archdiocesan territoryRegions with recorded parishes

Iringa Region

This parish’s region

Parish
Holy Cross
Village or town
Makongat
Region
Iringa

The map shows the Archdiocese’s eight regions. Village locations and directions to individual churches are managed separately.

Our patron and dedication

Holy Cross

The dedication of Holy Cross belongs to the worship and spiritual life of the parish, joining this community to the faith and prayer of the Orthodox Church.

Parish priest

Fr. Simeoni Changa

Worship & visiting

You are welcome here.

Whether you are Orthodox, returning to Church or visiting for the first time, you are welcome to get in touch and discover parish life.

Contact the parish to confirm the next service before travelling.

Parish reports and photograph sources

Share in parish life

Support Holy Cross Parish

Makongat

Share in the life of this parish. Choose how you would like to help, and the Metropolitan’s office will guide you through the next steps.

Exterior of Holy Cross church in Makongat.

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A shared meal with the parish community at Saint Barnabas in Uenda

Feast-day hospitality

Help with a shared meal and hospitality for the parish feast.

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Lighted taper candles and a cross in an Orthodox church

Church repairs and utilities

Help with upkeep, water, electricity and church supplies, including candles, wine and flour.

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Children with exercise books and learning materials in a classroom in Mkobe

Children’s education

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All support is received and coordinated through the Metropolitan’s office, for the parish and purpose you choose.

About these photographs

Photographs illustrate parish and mission life across the Archdiocese: a shared meal in Uenda and children with school materials in Mkobe. Orthodox candle photograph by Spacekid, CC0 public-domain dedication.

An enquiry to the Metropolitan’s office

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