Clerics of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa note a surge of interest in Orthodoxy among young people in South Africa

"The clerics of the Exarchate in South Africa are pleased to note the surge of interest in Orthodoxy among the local population, especially among young people," Metropolitan Leonid of Klin, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, stated on his Telegram channel. The Archpastor also shared concrete facts testifying to the development of the Patriarchal Exarchate's mission in the Republic of South Africa.

For instance, Priest Jacob Smuts continues to carry on his ministry, feeding the growing flock of the Russian Orthodox Church in this country. "After catechetical talks, Baptisms are performed for young Africans who have come to Orthodoxy fr om atheism and destructive sects after a long journey and search of the true faith," mentioned Vladyka Leonid.

In order to promote the Orthodox faith, Father Jacob has organised discussion groups on social networks, online meetings and streams, and at the end of August, the clergyman will give a lecture on Orthodoxy in a chapel in Cape Town, wh ere work is continuing to transform it into an Orthodox church. In addition, the regional press has approached Father Jacob with a proposal to prepare and publish a series of articles on Orthodox saints. Work on them has already begun, according to the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.

"Thanks to the labours of our other priest in South Africa, Priest John Rossouw, who translated the Divine Liturgy rite with detailed instructions for the priest from English (the English version was prepared by the labours of the Synodal Missionary Department of the Russian Orthodox Church) into Afrikaans, the service is performed by our clergy in accordance with the practice of the Russian Church," noted the hierarch.

On 10-11 August 2023, priests of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Archimandrite Zachariah (van Wijk) and Priest John Rossouw, will make presentations at the conference "Afrikaans as a Language of Faith", and in October, at the initiative of the leadership of Stellenbosch University (South Africa), lectures on Orthodoxy by Priest Jacob Smuts are being planned for students of the theological faculty of the university.

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Clerics of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa note a surge of interest in Orthodoxy among young people in South Africa

Patriarch

Department Chairman

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons