Address of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ on the occasion of Africa Day.
Message on Africa Day
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
This year marks, on the 25th of May, the 60th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity, timed to which is Africa Day also named as the Day of African Unity. I cordially congratulate you on this event.
The relations between Russia and Africa are based on the principals of friendship, equal rights and mutual respect. Our country actively helped African nations to gain independence and to form and foster their statehood. It is gratifying to testify to the successful political dialogue held today, to the broadening trade and economic cooperation, to the developing inter-parliamentary relations between our countries.
For many years Russia and Africa have also had good relations in the sphere of religion and culture. In particular, African Orthodox Christians, in their wish to preserve the canonical order and to protect their religious freedom, have begun seeking support in the Russian Orthodox Church. In December 2021, an historical decision was made in Moscow to form a Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa. Its work helps to develop fraternal relations between the peoples of Russia and African countries and to make a positive influence on the interreligious and inter-confessional dialogue.
I wish all the leaders and nations of the African continent peace, stability and well-being.
+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’
