The delegation of the Exarchate’s Spiritual and Educational Center has concluded its tour of East African countries

From August 11 to September 4, 2026, a delegation from the Spiritual and Educational Center named after the Apostle and Evangelist Mark of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa traveled through the countries of East Africa. The delegation included the Center’s director, Archpriest Tigriy Khachatryan, as well as staff members Priest Anatoly Slobodchikov and Priest Anatoly Trushin.

During the trip, the group visited parishes, schools, children’s shelters, and educational centers of the Exarchate in Malawi, Uganda, and Kenya. In each of the deaneries visited, the clergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy in concelebration with the local clergy.

The educational program for the Exarchate’s clergy and catechists was a central focus of the trip. Practical seminars were held for the clergy on performing the Proskomedia according to the Russian liturgical tradition and on preparing reserved Holy Gifts for the communion of the sick and infirm at home and in hospitals—a practice that is in high demand in the African context. Many local believers are unable to attend church regularly due to health issues or the remoteness of the parishes.

Eucharistic sets, altar crosses, sets of priestly vestments, and portable tabernacles were distributed to many parishes.

During pastoral meetings, participants discussed issues related to organizing parish life, pastoral care, the confessional practice, preacher preparation, and interaction with the community. Particular attention was given to matters of canonical unity. Separate seminars were devoted to catechetical work: participants explored methods of evangelization, approaches to missionary work among the local population, and the specifics of working with children and adults.

An important part of the mission was visiting educational institutions and children’s centers. Schools and orphanages received the “First Steps of Faith” , which include teaching materials for students and teachers prepared in collaboration with the interregional public organization “Association of Orthodox Scientists, as well as guides for studying the Gospel parables prepared by Center staff in collaboration with the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechesis.

To enhance educational and instructional capabilities, schools in Uganda and Kenya were provided with sets of multimedia equipment: laptops, printers, projectors and screens, and audio systems. Screenings of the animated series “Old Testament Stories” from the “My Joy” television channel were organized for the students; the series introduces children to biblical history in an accessible way.

In Uganda and Kenya, the delegation held meetings with representatives of the embassies of the Russian Federation. In Kenya, they met with V.I. Tkachenko, Russia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary; in Uganda, they met with S.V. Lobanov, Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

The trip covered more than ten parishes and deaneries in three countries, including several schools and children’s educational centers.

Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa