On 15th April 2024, in the State House in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi, a meeting took place between Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, and Rev. Brian Kamwendo, Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs.
They were joined by Ms Natasha Nalikungwi, Secretary General of the Presidential Faith Leaders Empowerment Scheme; Rev. Edward Tembo, Moderator of the Nkhoma Synod (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian); and Prof. David Kamchacha.
Earlier that day, the Russian hierarch had met with Dr Mwayiwawo Polepole, Principal Secretary for Foreign Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi.
Taking part in the meetings on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church were also Priest George Maximov, Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa; Mr Yu.V. Belyaev, the Exarchate’s legal expert; and Mr V.V. Dendyuk, personal secretary to Metropolitan Konstantin.
The Exarchate delegation was accompanied by Mr D.S. Grinchuk, Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Zimbabwe, concurrently of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of Malawi.
During the meetings, Metropolitan Konstantin spoke about the activities of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, including its humanitarian and educational projects. The participants in the meetings outlined prospects for further development of the Exarchate’s mission in Malawi.
As the representatives of the Malawian authorities emphasised, they have positive attitude to the appearance of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country, which is open to all confessions.
Patriarchal exarchate of Africa
Translation: DECR Communication service
