On January 18th 2025, the Eve of the Holy Theophany, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraysk, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of St. Alexander Nevsky in Oyani village, Migori deanery, Kenya.
Concelebrating with the archpastor were Priest George Maximov, chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa; Priest Patapios Chasia, local dean; and the clergy of the Migori deanery.
The divine service was celebrated in English, Swahili and Church Slavonic, Exarchate’s website reports. Rev. George Maximov delivered a sermon before the Communion.
After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Konstantin performed the rite of the Great Blessing of Water.
The archpastor addressed the worshippers with a homily and presented them with icons. The Exarch also presented an icon of the Holy Trinity to the parish.
Later that day His Eminence visited the Parish of St. Basil the Blessed which has an orphanage and an educational centre. Studying at the centre are 58 children, most of them orphans.
Metropolitan Konstantin also visited the Parish of St. George the Victory-Bearer in Aorachuodo village. Functioning at the parish is a preschool education centre. The hierarch performed the rite of consecration of the foundation stone for a future primary school.
Among those who accompanied the Exarch on his visit were Rev. George Maximov, chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa; Mr Vladislav Dendyuk, personal secretary to Metropolitan Konstantin; and Mr Yegor Skopenko, executive director of the Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage.
His Eminence presented icons to the parishes and the faithful and met with the rectors and pupils.
On the same day the archpastor interviewed those who expressed a wish to enrol in a seminary.
Patriarchal exarchate of Africa
Translation: DECR Communication service
