Press conference on Russian Orthodox Church’s mission in Africa takes place at TASS News Agency

On 26th August, 2025, TASS News Agency hosted a press conference on “The Russian Orthodox Church in African Countries: Mission and Plans for Further Development.” The meeting focused on the activities of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa and was timed to the pilgrimage of its deans from the North Africa and Southern Africa dioceses to Russia which they undertook from 21st to 29th August 2025 with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’.

Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, spoke about the Russian Orthodox Church’s expanding presence in Africa, mentioning the growing number of clergymen and parishioners, as well as about the specifics of the Orthodox Christian mission in African countries and plans for further development.

During the press conference, a video was shown about the baptism of the Madagascar locals in the waters of the Indian Ocean, which Metropolitan Konstantin had performed during his archpastoral visit to the island in the spring of 2025.

Taking part in the press conference were also Archimandrite Philaret (Kimaro), dean of the Central Church District in Tanzania; Priest Titus Kipngeni, dean of the Nandi Church District in Kenya; Priest Sergiy Voyemawa, dean of the Central African Church District (CAR); Priest Parthenius Dansu, dean of the West African Church District (Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso); and Priest Nicholas Ramarusun Bruno, dean of the Southern Church District in Madagascar, website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa reports.

The clergymen told about the reasons behind their decision to join the Russian Orthodox Church, the changes in the life of the clergy and the faithful after the establishment of the Patriarchal Exarchate, and about their missionary, educational, catechetical and humanitarian work.

They also shared their impressions of their visit to Russia and answered questions from journalists.

DECR Communication Service/Patriarchia.ru