Patriarch Theodore in Kenya Again Addresses the Schism Caused by the “Church from the North”

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria Celebrates Name Day in Kenya Amidst Challenges

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria marked his name day in Kenya on February 17 by presiding over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Macarius of Egypt, located within the patriarchal school “Archbishop Macarius III of Cyprus.” He was joined by Metropolitans Macarius of Nairobi, George of Guinea, Demetrius of Irinoupolis, along with bishops and clergy from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The liturgical hymns were performed in Swahili by students of the patriarchal seminary in Riruta.

During his visit, Patriarch Theodore unveiled a commemorative plaque recognizing the contributions of Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) of Tirana and All Albania to the Orthodox mission in Kenya between 1982 and 1991.

In his speech, the Patriarch expressed gratitude to God for guiding his return to Kenya at a time when both humanity and the Alexandrian Patriarchate face significant challenges. He lamented that a sister Orthodox church had overstepped its canonical boundaries, engaging in activities that undermine the Church in Africa instead of focusing on its own faithful.

Drawing a parallel with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Patriarch Theodore addressed the ongoing schism caused by Russian clergy in Kenya. He called upon clergy who had split from the Church of Alexandria to return to their bishops—not as repentant prodigals but as rightful members of the Church who had been misled by external influences. He accused the Russian Orthodox Church of prioritizing political objectives over ecclesiastical unity.

The Patriarch also expressed deep appreciation for Metropolitan Macarius of Nairobi, honoring his 46 years of tireless service to Orthodoxy in Kenya. Acknowledging his sacrifices and dedication, Patriarch Theodore proclaimed him the “Exarch of Kenya and all of East Africa” and presented him with the corresponding patriarchal sigil.

In response, Metropolitan Macarius welcomed the Patriarch and reiterated concerns over the intrusion of the Russian Orthodox Church into the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. He condemned the interference as both illegal and uncanonical, warning that it was sowing confusion among clergy and laity while threatening the unity painstakingly built within the African Orthodox community.

Reflecting on the broader consequences, Metropolitan Macarius compared the divisions in Africa to those caused by the war between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized how the Patriarchate of Alexandria had contributed immensely to Kenya’s spiritual and social welfare—establishing schools, hospitals, clinics, and orphanages—efforts that now faced disruption due to external interference. He urged continued support for the Church’s mission and assured the Patriarch that Kenyan Orthodox Christians would resist division, drawing strength from St. Mark and his apostolic legacy.

The schism instigated by the Moscow Patriarchate emerged two years ago in retaliation for Alexandria’s recognition of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Since then, Russian Orthodox representatives have toured various Alexandrian dioceses, persuading clergy to defect in exchange for financial incentives. Rather than establishing new parishes, they have sought to fragment existing Orthodox communities, leveraging Moscow’s political influence over local governments to facilitate their activities.

The Patriarchate of Alexandria continues to stand firm against these challenges, striving to preserve its historic mission and maintain unity among Orthodox Christians across Africa.