A church-practical seminar for heads of educational and social institutions of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa was held in Moscow on October 29, 2026. The meeting took place at the Danilovskaya Hotel as part of the conference "Educational Activities of the Russian Church in Africa: Problems and Prospects", attended by 16 delegates from 11 African countries.
Opening the seminar, Archpriest Tigri Khachatryan, head of the Spiritual and Educational Center in the Name of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, spoke about the development of educational institutions of the exarchate based on the traditions of Orthodox pedagogy. He called the creation of a unified educational space one of the main tasks.
The participants got acquainted with the experience of Russian Orthodox schools, discussed the role of mentoring and the possibilities of using neural networks in teaching. The educational and methodical kit "First steps in faith" for general education and Sunday schools was also presented.
The African delegates spoke about the work of their institutions and cooperation with local education authorities. Then, in three groups, they considered practical tasks related to educational materials, equipping schools and shelters, and increasing the attractiveness of educational institutions. The proposed solutions were discussed with invited experts.
Concluding the meeting, Archpriest Tigri Khachatryan announced the beginning of a self-examination of the institutions of the exarchate. It should help to assess their needs, establish cooperation with the Spiritual and Educational Center and determine further areas of work.
The participants were given sets of "First Steps in Faith" in English and French, as well as a collection of spiritual poems by Archpriest Gennady Zaridze "The Wanderer".