On October 31, 2026, a delegation of clergy from the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa—currently visiting Russia with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia—visited the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra. Following tradition, the clergy sang the Akathist to St. Sergius of Radonezh during the journey.
A guided tour of the monastery and the Moscow Theological Academy (MTA) was organized for the guests from Africa.
Members of the delegation venerated the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh and other relics, and visited the monastery’s churches and the academy building.
At the MTA, the priests were received by Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov, the rector of the theological school.
His Eminence warmly welcomed the clergy, spoke with them, and presented them with copies of the icon “Holy Trinity” by St. Andrew Rublev.
The African clergy learned about life at the academy and interacted with the students.
After a shared meal, the tour continued at the “Church-Archaeological Cabinet” Museum of Christian Art, located within the walls of the academy.
Photo: Ilya Belov
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
