The first trip of the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk, to the Republic of Madagascar has begun. This is the 21st African country that Vladyka Konstantin has visited during his one and a half year tenure as exarch.
On March 18, 2025, the bishop arrived in the capital of the country, Antananarivo.
His Eminence is accompanied by the Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Priest Georgy Maksimov, and Personal Secretary V.V. Dendyuk.
During the visit, the exarch will meet with officials and visit parishes of the South African Diocese, where he will perform divine services and lead meetings of the clergy. In addition, Metropolitan Konstantin will conduct interviews with a number of clergy of the Patriarchate of Alexandria who wish to convert to the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church.
On March 19, in Antananarivo, the bishop met with Alexander Andreev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros. The exarch and the head of the Russian diplomatic mission discussed the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Madagascar and further cooperation.
Also during the day, a number of working meetings will be held on the development of the activities of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa on the island.
The trip to the Republic of Madagascar will last until March 28.
In the three years of the existence of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa in Madagascar, more than 20 parishes have been opened in the Northern and Southern deaneries, as well as a female monastic community. In total, 22 priests of the Russian Orthodox Church serve on the island. Five more Malagasy students who want to become priests in the future study at theological schools in Russia. After completing their studies, they will return to their homeland, where they will carry out pastoral ministry.