On 10th May 2023, a meeting between H.E. Mr Akambi André Okounlola-Biaou, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Benin to the Russian Federation, and Priest Parthenios Dansou, a cleric of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, took place in Moscow.
“Mr Ambassador welcomed the emerging presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Benin and was glad to hear the news from his compatriot. He also said he is ready to promote cooperation with the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa and will render every possible assistance to our mission,” Metropolitan Leonid of Klin wrote in his Telegram channel, “Requests are coming from believers in Benin to open parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country and we will be working towards it.”
Taking part in the meeting were also Mr Giono Morel Gbenakpon Gnami, Embassy Counsellor; Rev. George Maximov, chairman of the Exarchate Missionary Department; and Mr Konstantin Gorditsa, director of foreign student affairs.
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
