On the 15th of October, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraysk, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, began his first archpastoral visit to the Central African Republic.
On the following day, he was received by the President of the country, H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, in the Presidential Palace in Bangui, the CAR’s capital, Exarchate’s website reports.
Taking part in the meeting were also Priest George Maximov, chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, and Priest Sergy Woyemawa, dean of the Exarchate’s parishes in the CAR.
Metropolitan Konstantin warmly thanked President Touadéra for the hospitality, expressing appreciation to the people of the Central African Republic and its leadership for creating favourable conditions for the mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country.
The Russian Church appeared in the Central African Republic at the request of the Russians working in the country and at the invitation of the local citizens who expressed their wish to join it. Metropolitan Konstantin introduced one of them to the President – Rev. Sergy Woyemawa, now dean of the Exarchate’s parishes in the CAR. He also informed Mr Touadéra of the current number of the Exarchate’s clergymen and parishes in the country and told him about the educational projects carried out by the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa in the CAR.
As President Faustin-Archange Touadéra said in response, he welcomes the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church. He pointed out that over a short period of time the Russian Church had managed to gain a foothold in the country, which is beneficial to the CAR’s citizens. The President expressed hope for further progress of the Russian Church’s mission and asked the Patriarchal Exarch to pray for the people of the Central African Republic.
Discussed at the meeting were plans of promoting activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Konstantin presented to the President a crucifixion made in the traditional Russian style. Rev. George Maximov also presented gifts to Mr Touadéra –publications of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa in the French language and translation of the Liturgy of John Chrysostom in the official language of the Central African Republic – Sango – which received wholehearted approval of the head of state.
Patriarchal exarchate of Africa
Translation: DECR Communication service
