On July 24, 2025, at the Patriarchal and Synodal residence in the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ chaired a regular meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Background information:
The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa was established by decree of the Holy Synod from the 29th of December, 2021 (Journal No. 100), comprising the North African and South African dioceses. By a decision of the Holy Synod dated October 11, 2023 (Journal No. 93), His Grace Bishop Konstantin of Zaraisk was appointed Acting Patriarchal Exarch of Africa. By a further decision dated March 12, 2024 (Journal No. 30), Bishop Konstantin was confirmed in the office of Patriarchal Exarch of Africa. On March 24, 2024, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan.
JOURNAL No. 84
HAVING JUDGED on granting titles to diocesan bishops of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.
WE CAME TO THE DECISION:
1. That the ruling bishop of the North African Diocese is to be titled “of Cairo and North Africa”.
2. That the ruling bishop of the South African Diocese is to be titled “of Johannesburg and South Africa”.
3. Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk, the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, is to be ruling bishop of Cairo and North Africa.
4. The Metropolitan of Cairo and North Africa shall remain interim head of the South-African diocese.
