On August 17, 2026, the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, performed the rite of the blessing of a foundation stone for the future church dedicated to St. John the Forerunner and the Holy Martyr Alexander (Parusnikov) in the Baringo District (Lugari Deanery) in Kenya.
The service was attended by the chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Priest George Maximov; the dean of the district and rector of the parish, Priest Peter Lutomia; and the faithful.
Prior to this, His Eminence consecrated a water well constructed with funds from the Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage and donations from the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, collected through our official website.
Metropolitan Konstantin greeted those gathered and delivered an archpastoral address. Father George Maximov then addressed the parishioners with a sermon.
On behalf of the community, a goat was presented to His Eminence Konstantin.
Later, the Exarch visited the Parish of the Apostle Paul in the village of Marakusi. There, His Eminence consecrated a school built with the support of the Russian Orthodox Church. Parishioners and schoolchildren participated in the divine service.
The clergy of the Lugari District received motorcycles—which His Eminence also consecrated—and cows as gifts from benefactors in Russia.
The faithful, in turn, presented the archpastor with a goat.
On the same day, the Exarch held a general pastoral meeting attended by all the clergy of the deanery, as well as students from Russian theological schools who had returned home for the holidays.
During the discussion, the participants addressed issues related to parish activities and the development of church life in Kenya.
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
