In the Tanzanian village of Venda, a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos (Virgin Mary) is set to be built, as reported by the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa's website. On February 21, the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the church took place, with the participation of the community's faithful.

Father Lavrenty Sakva, the dean, along with Father Ambrose Chavala and Father Augustine Kisanjandje, performed the consecration of the cornerstone. Believers from the parish gathered for the service.

The Orthodox Christian community in the village of Venda has seen significant growth, with three baptisms conducted in 2023 alone, leading to dozens of locals joining the Church. Before their baptism, these individuals spent about a year studying the basics of the Orthodox faith under the guidance of Father Ambrose. In August, the community initiated the clearing of the land for the construction of the church.

The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, part of the Russian Orthodox Church, began its mission in Tanzania in 2021 and officially obtained registration in January 2023. Suahili-language prayer books were published for Tanzanian believers. Additionally, an educational center was established in the Tanzanian city of Kisarawe, providing instruction for teenagers from priestly families. In the capital city, Dar es Salaam, courses are offered covering general subjects, the Russian language, and the fundamentals of Orthodoxy.