Dear friends,
The historic decision to establish the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, taken by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on December 29, 2021, has given powerful impetus to the strengthening of Orthodoxy on the African continent. Over the six-month period of the Exarchate’s life, missionaries of the Russian Orthodox Church have visited eleven African countries, conducted first Divine Liturgies in con-celebration with the local clergy who had transferred under the omophorion of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, and met with the local clerics and faithful.
I held my first meetings with religious and political leaders, namely, with Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Church and the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. We can state with confidence that the church and secular authorities in the region have a positive attitude towards our mission, showing interest and willingness to cooperate.
The first Divine Liturgy I celebrated in my capacity as Exarch on the African land was an event of major historic importance. It took place in Cairo on June 25.
The Exarchate clergy in the African countries carry out their ministry, opening parishes, celebrating Liturgies and Baptisms. The missionary and catechetical work is in progress. New communities are joining the Exarchate.
Today the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa begins its work. Its launch will allow us to make our presence in the media sphere more effective, cover the most significant events in the life of the Exarchate in a timely manner, and give first-hand accounts of the Russian Orthodox Church’s mission in Africa to our readers across the world. I am sure that on this website people will find all the up-to-date information on the life and activities of the youngest Exarchate within the Moscow Patriarchate.
Cultural diversity and varied ethnic composition have been intrinsic to the Christian Church since its first days. I believe that our website will also serve the cause of bringing the ecclesial glad tidings to people living on the multi-ethnic continent of Africa and beyond.
I prayerfully wish to editors and authors of the website creative success and the work yielding “fruit for eternal life” (Jn 4:36). And to our readers, I wish peace, good health and God’s help in their endeavours.
Invoking God’s blessing upon you,
+Leonid
METROPOLITAN OF KLIN
PATRIARCHAL EXARCH OF AFRICA
