The Patriarchal Exarch of Africa ordained a group of priests from Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe

On June 17, 2026, the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Constantine of Cairo and North Africa, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow, in the Meshchanskaya Sloboda of Moscow. His Eminence was co-served by five newly ordained priests from Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe who had completed pastoral training courses at the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.
The Liturgy was celebrated in Church Slavonic, English, Swahili, Chichewa and Shona languages. At the end of the service, His Eminence addressed the clergy with an archpastoral farewell.
Then, after the fraternal meal, Metropolitan Constantine held a joint meeting with African clergy. His Eminence presented the clergy with decrees on appointments to parishes of the South African Diocese in their home countries, and also handed over Eucharistic kits and other necessary liturgical utensils, Orthodox literature in English prepared by the Spiritual and Educational Center of St. Mark of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, and memorable gifts.
Earlier, in November 2025 — June 2026, another training course for clergymen of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa was held in Moscow. Five henchmen from Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe were trained.
In the spring, in the church of St. Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow, in Meshchanskaya Sloboda, Metropolitan Konstantin consecrated his proteges as deacons, then as presbyters.
They are all family people, raise children, and have many years of experience in church life. Before the trip to Moscow, everyone actively helped in their parish, carrying out various obediences.
During their studies, the future pastors deepened their knowledge in pastoral theology, liturgics, Church history, apologetics, and other disciplines. In the Bogoroditse-Rozhdestvensky Stavropol Convent in Moscow, they mastered the skills of baking prosphora, weaving rosaries and making candles.
Newly ordained priests Jair Atieli and Raphael Andayi (Kenya), David Okurut (Uganda), Vladimir Mdoka (Malawi) and Emilian Shumba (Zimbabwe) have completed their liturgical practice and are returning to their native countries for further pastoral ministry.
Priest Raphael Andayi is the principal of the primary school at the Parish of the Great Martyr Panteleimon in the Kenyan capital.
Priest Emilian Shumba became the first priest of the Russian Orthodox Church in Zimbabwe.