The Patriarchal Exarch of Africa visits the Republic of Congo

DECR Communication Service, 07.03.2026. 

On March 4, 2026, the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, arrived in Pointe-Noire - a major port city on the Atlantic coast and the second largest city of the Republic of Congo.

The hierarch is accompanied on the trip by Priest Georgy Maksimov, Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa; his personal secretary V.V. Dendyuk; and interpreter I.S. Krylov.

On that day, the Exarch visited the parish of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker on the territory of the former building of the Consulate of the Russian Federation in Congo, where he served a moleben to the saint. Present at the service were D.M. Ngebana, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Congo; Priest Siluan Nkunku, dean of the parishes of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa in Congo; local residents; and compatriots living in this country, reports the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.

After the moleben, Metropolitan Konstantin addressed those present with an archpastoral word. The hierarch presented the parish with an icon, and the faithful with pectoral crosses, icons, and Orthodox literature in French prepared by the Spiritual and Educational Center of the Apostle Mark of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa. The archpastor also held a spiritual talk with those gathered.

On March 5, the hierarch visited the parishes of Saint Gregory the Theologian in the city of Dolisie, the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the city of Nkayi, and Saint John Chrysostom in the village of Ntsiene. At each parish, Metropolitan Konstantin served a moleben, presented the community with an icon, and gave pastoral instruction to the faithful. Copies of the Gospel of Mark, catechisms, crosses, and icons were also distributed to all.

At the parish of Saint John Chrysostom, among those gathered were local servicemen undergoing catechesis and preparing to receive the Mystery of Baptism.

In addition, the hierarch conducted interviews with a candidate for ordination to the priesthood and with those wishing to study at a theological seminary.

On March 6, the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa visited the parish of Saint Basil the Great in the capital of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, where he served a moleben to the saint. He was accompanied by Priest Georgy Maksimov, Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, and Priest Siluan Nkunku, dean of the parishes of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa in Congo.

His Eminence was greeted by the rector of the parish, Priest Ioann Ndzigula, and the faithful.

After the service, the hierarch addressed those gathered with an archpastoral word.

On the same day, Metropolitan Konstantin visited the parish of the Nativity of Saint John the Forerunner in Brazzaville. At the entrance, the archpastor was greeted by the rector of the parish, Priest Timofey Nzebe, parishioners, and guests. The hierarch served a moleben and delivered a word of instruction.

At both parishes, the hierarch presented the communities with icons and incense. The faithful were given copies of Orthodox literature in French, pectoral crosses, and icons.

On the same day, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa met with the Prefect of the capital of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, Victor Muanda Muanda. The meeting was attended by Priest Georgy Maksimov, Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa; Priest Siluan Nkunku, dean of the parishes in Congo; and other members of the delegation.

The hierarch spoke to his interlocutor about the activities of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa on the continent and, in particular, in the Republic of Congo. The parties then discussed issues of cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Exarch presented the Prefect with a cross.