Moscow Patriarchate Broadens African Exarchate

On August 27, Russian Patriarch Kirill hosted a sizable delegation from the “Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa” in the patriarchal hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This delegation, consisting of clergy from over twenty countries, highlighted the Moscow Patriarchate’s comprehensive efforts to establish a structured presence in Africa.

Leading the delegation was “Metropolitan of Cairo and North Africa Konstantin.” He mentioned “over 260 priests” now serving under the Russian Orthodox Church, noting that Patriarch Kirill’s name is mentioned at every Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Konstantin explained that the formation of the “Patriarchal Exarchate in Africa” was in response to the “great tragedy in Orthodoxy” following the Ecumenical Patriarch and several other Primates of Local Churches acknowledging the schism in Ukraine. This situation disturbed many African priests, who turned to the Russian Orthodox Church for protection after the Patriarch of Alexandria entered into Eucharistic communion with the schismatics.

Patriarch Kirill asserted that the Russian Church’s actions in Africa were selfless, claiming they supported African Orthodox who did not wish to partake in the Ukrainian schism. He emphasized Russia’s non-colonial past, claiming it aided African countries in gaining independence.

Patriarch Kirill commended the African priests for their “resilience” in facing threats and urged them to remain steadfast. He presented them with gifts, including crosses, medals, plaques, and other awards.

The African delegation gifted the patriarch symbolic items: a pastoral staff from Uganda and an icon from Mauritius. The Moscow Patriarchate’s actions aim to solidify new dependencies in Africa, with Patriarch Kirill portraying himself as a “father” to clergymen who left the Patriarchate of Alexandria over disagreements regarding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s autocephaly. The Russian Church presents itself as Orthodoxy’s defender in Africa, challenging the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s canonical authority. According to the Moscow Patriarchate, its Exarchate operates in 36 African countries with over 330 communities and more than 270 clergy.

Sources: Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate and Orthodoxia.info