Easter celebrations following the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church were held across 16 African countries this year, marking a significant expansion of the Church’s presence on the continent. The announcement was made by TASS, citing Russia’s Federal Agency for International Humanitarian Cooperation, "Rossotrudnichestvo."

By the blessing of Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraysk, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Russian Orthodox clergy traveled to numerous African nations to lead the Paschal liturgies. The trips were coordinated in collaboration with local diocesan bishops.

Services were conducted in Russian embassies, Russian cultural centers, official institutions, and parishes of the Patriarchal Exarchate. Among the countries hosting Easter liturgies were Angola, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles, Guinea, Mali, Benin, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and others.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Easter night at the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Notably, Guinea held its first-ever Orthodox Easter service for Russian compatriots, led by Father Georgy Maksimov, head of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate.

Local clergy from the Exarchate also held Paschal services in Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Zambia, Togo, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and other nations. In total, Easter celebrations by the Russian Orthodox Church reached over 30 countries in Africa.

In addition to the services, the Church carried out a range of community and charitable initiatives. On Holy Saturday, baptisms of local residents were performed in Burundi and the DRC. Many regions also saw spiritual talks, the distribution of Orthodox literature, icons, crosses, and church supplies as part of the Easter festivities.