On October 8, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Theodoros II, elevated the Holy Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania to the status of a Metropolis.
This historic decision follows closely upon the elevation of the Diocese of Eldoret and Northern Kenya to Metropolis status, marking yet another significant milestone in the steady growth of the Orthodox Church in East Africa.
With this elevation, His Grace Bishop Agathonikos now assumes the new title of His Eminence Metropolitan Agathonikos of Arusha and Exarch of Central Tanzania.
Expression of gratitude for the new Arusha Metropolis
The Missionary Shelter (Ierapostoliki Stegi) of St. Dionysius of Olympus, an association that has long supported the pastoral and philanthropic mission of the Diocese, expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude upon receiving the news.
In a statement, the Missionary Shelter thanked the Sacred Synod of the Ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria for this recognition, describing the promotion as “a manifestation of Divine Grace and the fruit of his labor and vigilant care for the Church in Central Tanzania.”
The association further reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the newly established Holy Metropolis of Arusha, pledging to uphold and strengthen every aspect of its missionary and charitable work throughout the region.
The See of Arusha was established by the Holy Synod on November 17, 2016, with the election and ordination of His Grace Agathonikos (Nikolaidis) as its first bishop. He was enthroned in March 2017, and the Diocese has since encompassed missions across the Arusha, Iringa, and Morogoro regions.
