Russian Bank Cards Offered to African Clerics Joining Moscow Patriarchate
Russian bank cards are reportedly being distributed to African clerics from the Patriarchate of Alexandria who opt to join the Moscow Patriarchate, specifically under the so-called “African Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church.” This revelation was shared by Ukrainian theologian Archimandrite Kirill (Govorun) during an international conference in Sweden focused on crises within global Orthodoxy. The conference’s first session addressed issues in Ukraine and Georgia, while the second centered on developments in Africa.
A participant’s report shed light on the formation of the “African Exarchate.” According to the account, the Russian state views the church in Africa as a strategic tool to influence political and business dealings with local authorities. “In Africa, individuals in religious attire carry significant authority, and their presence opens doors to government offices. The Kremlin uses clergy to facilitate entry into these spaces,” the participant explained.
In some cases, clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church have allegedly recruited local men for the war in Ukraine. The participant elaborated: “These clerics, trusted by locals as ‘people in cassocks don’t give bad advice,’ indirectly or directly encourage men to travel to Russia. Some of these men ultimately find themselves on the frontlines.”
One specific incident detailed at the conference involved an Orthodox seminarian who traveled to Russia to enroll in a seminary. Upon arrival, his passport was confiscated, and he was reportedly prepared for deployment to the battlefield. “Fortunately, he realized their intentions in time and managed to escape,” the participant recounted.
It was also revealed that African clergy who leave the Patriarchate of Alexandria to join the Russian Orthodox Church receive bank cards, though these cards are not registered in their names. Clerics reportedly receive 200 euros per month via these cards, which are officially issued to Russian organizations. “One cleric even had a card with Prigozhin’s name on it, making them heavily dependent on this arrangement and susceptible to financial misuse,” the report stated. Alarmingly, individuals from non-Christian religious backgrounds have allegedly registered as Orthodox clergy solely to obtain these cards. This practice has caused principled Orthodox Christians, disillusioned by such methods, to convert to other confessions.
The long-term consequences of these actions have raised concerns among observers. This shift in church allegiances and the associated practices are seen as fostering widespread disillusionment with Orthodoxy, ultimately undermining the faith’s missionary efforts across the African continent.
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