With the blessing of the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, the head of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Priest George Maximov, and the rector of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Port Louis (Mauritius), Archpriest Dimitry Matienko, began their visit to Madagascar.
On May 24, 2026, the 7th Sunday after Easter, the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, and the day of remembrance of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril, Teachers of the Slavs, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, with the participation of all clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church in that country.
The service was attended by A.S. Buriak, Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Madagascar, Russian citizens with their families, and local believers.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, on the occasion of the name day of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, a prayer service was held for the health of His Holiness.
A prayer service was also held in memory of the late Priest Michael Zafindralambo, rector of the Parish of the Archangel Michael in Antananarivo, who passed away last year, and assistance was provided to his widow.
Priest George shared good news with those gathered, primarily regarding the registration of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country, and introduced Archpriest Dimitry Matienko to everyone. Orthodox literature was donated to the Russian Embassy’s library.
Following the service, a general meeting of the clergy of Madagascar was held, where further steps for the development of the mission in the country were discussed.
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
