On March 17, 2026, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, Interim head of the South-African Diocese, performed the monastic tonsure at the Church of St. Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow, in the Meshchanskaya Sloboda district in Moscow.
Novice Sarah (Anzemo) from Kenya was tonsured a rassophore nun — the first degree of monasticism — and given the name Vera in honor of the Holy Martyr Vera of Rome.
The ceremony was attended by the abbess of the Stavropegial Convent of the Nativity of the Virgin, mother superior Victorina (Perminova), along with the sisters of the convent.
In conclusion, His Eminence Konstantin addressed the newly tonsured nun Vera with words of encouragement.
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
