On the eve of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (August 27, Gregorian calendar), history was written in the heart of Moscow at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia led the all-night vigil, joined not only by hierarchs and clergy of Russia, but also by the clergy from Africa.
Never before has Africa stood so visibly at the very center of the Orthodox world, in prayerful unity with the Mother Church. The presence of the Exarch Metropolitan, Constantine, together with missionary priests and deans from across the African continent, marks a missionary milestone unparalleled in history.
Africa now part of the deep breath of Orthodoxy; Patriarch Kirill of Moscow
As the Patriarch himself affirmed, Africa is now part of the deep breath of Orthodoxy. This is not simply the expansion of mission—it is God casting the nets deeper into places long unreached, calling nations, tribes, and peoples into the saving ark of the Church. Truly, God’s doings never cease, and His work unfolds in ways no human imagination could fully grasp.
Shakespeare once wrote that there are things “still held in the womb of time.” Indeed, the Lord is unfolding new chapters for Orthodoxy in Africa—chapters of courage, sacrifice, and faith, carried forward by His servants.
In this holy vigil, as the shroud of the Dormition of the Theotokos was brought forth, we were reminded that the Queen of Heaven is present with us—not only in Moscow, but also with every faithful heart in Africa, strengthening our priests, guiding our people, and interceding for the growth of Orthodoxy on our continent.
This is more than a service. It is a sign of hope, unity, and mission, a testimony that Africa is not at the margins of Orthodoxy but at its living core.
God works in mysterious ways—and Africa is rising in Orthodoxy!
Source: Facebook/Erastus Waicha
