Anglican Church

ST MARTIN'S - BOROKO

Rector: Fr Philip Jiregari

Assistant: Deacon Festus Kasari

Sunday Mass times: 7am at St Lucian's, 9am at St Martin's

St Martin's in the suburb of Boroko was established in 1956 to cater for the expatriate population of that area. The large compound includes a substantial Rectory and a curate's house. The original church remains but has been turned into the parish hall and offices. A new much bigger church immediately next to it was dedicated in 2000 - its tall masonry block walls and high roof allowing for plenty of air circulation. Long and colourful seasonal banners along the walls are a feature, as well as a glass cross within the sanctuary wall and the decorative wrought iron work in the entrance porch area.

St Martin's Boroko

St Martin's has a large and eclectic congregation coming from all over the city, all parts of PNG, and from other countries around the world. Some are in senior positions in government or business and provide examples of committed Anglicans in high places. Their leadership and influence is important for the development of the Anglican Church of PNG. The congregation also includes an active youth group which includes a lively band providing music on Sundays.

St Martin's has a daughter church in the Six Mile settlement - St Lucian Tapiedi's Chapel, currently looked after by Deacon Festus Kasari who lives next to it. Most of the Anglicans in the settlement are Highlanders from the Siane Valley, and all live in difficult conditions with many problems commonly caused by alcohol, drug abuse and domestic violence. A Mothers' Union member Betty Mandoma and her husband run an ad hoc orphanage for 15 HIV/AIDS orphans in a shed next to her house in the settlement - St Martin's has raised money to help her in this venture, in particular for the children's school fees.

St Martin's clergy also visit the town of Kwikila, 1½ hours drive south, on a regular basis to serve the Anglican families living there. Sometimes worship takes place in the Catholic Church, or at the house of a school teacher.

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