From the Patriarchal journey in Kenya
As Archbishop of Nairobi, I have the honor to record the sacred events of the visit of His Beatitude—a visit that was a celebration of faith, unity, and our unwavering love for Kenya and Africa.
Saturday: A Joyful Arrival and Great Vespers
In the early morning hours of Saturday, His Beatitude arrived with a spirit full of grace and humility. His presence was an undeniable reminder of the profound bond between the Church and our beloved Kenya. That same evening, at the Cathedral of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Patriarch celebrated Great Vespers. In his inspiring homily, he reaffirmed his deep love for Kenya and expressed his heartfelt joy for the opportunity to be with us again—a sentiment that resonated with every soul present.
Sunday, February 16: The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
The next day, the Cathedral of Saints Cosmas and Damian witnessed the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, a service that gathered not only local faithful but also Archbishops from East and West Africa, as well as Bishops from various Dioceses of Kenya. The magnificence of the liturgy was enhanced by the presence of these venerable visitors, who gathered in a spirit of communion and shared mission.
In this sacred assembly, I had the honor to officially welcome His Beatitude. My message was one of unity, hope, and unwavering dedication to the timeless mission of our Church. I exclaimed:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
With deep joy and gratitude, we welcome Your Beatitude once again to Kenya, and specifically to this sacred Cathedral of Saints Cosmas and Damian, where you last celebrated the Divine Liturgy in 2009. Your presence today is a great blessing not only for our Orthodox Church in Kenya but also for all of Africa. It reminds us that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic—a beacon of unity that transcends borders, languages, and ethnicities.
This Cathedral stands as a living testimony to this unity. Here, Orthodox Christians from different tribes and nations gather as one family in Christ. In a world often divided by political and secular conflicts, we proclaim anew that the Church belongs only to Christ. We confess with one voice that we have one faith, one Lord, one baptism. We stand united in love and harmony, showing the world that the Orthodox Church is above divisions, rooted in the truth of the Gospel and in the sacred tradition that has been handed down to us as members of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church on the African continent.
For this reason, we unequivocally condemn the unjustified invasion of the Patriarchate of Russia into Africa—an action that has sown confusion among the faithful and our sacred clergy, threatening the unity we have so deeply loved and preserved. Just as the war between Russia and Ukraine has divided nations, families, and even the Body of Christ itself, so this incursion risks causing division even at the family level. Orthodox faithful in Africa have always lived united sacramentally, bound by faith, love, and their common identity as images of God. Any disruption of this unity is not merely unnecessary but deeply harmful. The trauma and spiritual disturbance caused among our devoted African Orthodox Christians cannot be ignored. Therefore, with full awareness of our responsibility before God and His people, we categorically reject this incursion, for it serves no purpose other than to sow discord where peace prevailed.
Our Orthodox Church in Africa traces its roots to the first Patriarch of Alexandria, the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark. Any narrative that attempts to distort this truth—such as the unfounded accusations that our Greek presence here is oppressive—is not only false but divisive, satanic, and a product of complete ignorance. Anyone who has closely witnessed the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Africa, and especially in Kenya, can testify to the transformative impact of our presence.
Our contribution to education is evident: we have established numerous schools—primary, secondary, and colleges—many of which are fully funded. Our work in the medical field is also apparent, with clinics, dispensaries, and hospitals serving countless lives across all dioceses of Kenya. Additionally, we have granted scholarships to countless young people to study medicine abroad, empowering them to return and contribute to the development of their homeland’s healthcare sector.
The Orthodox Seminary, founded by the late Archbishop and President of Cyprus, Makarios III, has played a crucial role in educating and forming bishops, priests, deacons, and catechists, who now work actively to expand Orthodoxy in Africa. Personally, with the help of many benefactors and supporters, I have constructed and inaugurated more than 150 churches in Kenya—some of which you have consecrated, Your Beatitude. At the same time, we do not neglect our marginalized and impoverished fellow human beings, supporting them through orphanages and feeding programs.
If all this does not speak for itself, then we leave it in the hands of God—the righteous and true Judge.
Your Beatitude, we assure you that behind you stands the entire continent of Africa, united under your leadership with love and protection. We, the Orthodox faithful of this land, stand steadfast against any attempt to disrupt this unity. We remain firm in our mission to preserve the faith, to live as brothers and sisters, and to witness to the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As we gather today, we are aware of the apostolic roots of our Church in Africa. We turn our gaze to the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the founder of the Church of Alexandria, whose throne you now occupy. From this sacred throne, through the centuries, the message remains the same: unity, love, and forgiveness. This is the legacy we continue to uphold—the light that must shine throughout Africa and throughout the world.
On this blessed occasion, we also take a moment to express our heartfelt prayers and wishes to you, Your Beatitude, as tomorrow you celebrate your name day, the commemoration of Saint Theodore. May the Lord grant you many years with health and strength as you continue to shepherd the flock of Christ in this great continent. We urge all the faithful to pray for you, being aware of the tremendous weight of responsibility you bear on your shoulders.
May the Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, guide and strengthen you always.
Many years, Your Beatitude!
Furthermore, our hearts were lifted by the presence of many distinguished foreign emissaries. We expressed our gratitude for the generous support of the Embassy of Egypt, whose splendid dinner in honor of the Patriarch’s visit constituted both a diplomatic and a spiritual culmination of the day.
Monday, February 17: The Culmination of Celebrations at the Patriarchal Ecclesiastical School
Monday marked the culmination of this blessed visit. The day began at the Orthodox Patriarchal Ecclesiastical School of Makarios III, where the arrival of His Beatitude was received with deep respect. At the entrance of the School, the Archbishops and priests of our Archdiocese welcomed the Patriarch, while the students of Saint Clement sang welcoming hymns.
The Divine Liturgy that followed was heavenly. The Angelic Choir of Seminarians filled the atmosphere with melodious hymns, creating an atmosphere of divine harmony. At the culmination of worship, His Beatitude had the great honor of elevating a deacon to the priesthood.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, I addressed my congratulatory message for the Name Day Feast of His Beatitude.
Message for the Name Day Feast of His Beatitude, the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, February 17, 2025
Your Beatitude, beloved Father and our Chief Shepherd,
It is truly a historic and joyful occasion to welcome you once again to Kenya, this vibrant heart of Orthodox Mission in Africa, as you celebrate your name day among us. Your presence here is not only a great blessing and honor but also a testimony to the deep and enduring bond you maintain with Kenya and its devout people. Your decision to celebrate this special day with us is an act of love, a reflection of your pastoral heart, and an invitation to all of us to imitate the Saints who have gone before us—those Saints whose lives continue to illuminate the path of faith, especially here in Africa.
As the successor of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, you bear the great but sacred responsibility of shepherding Christ’s flock throughout continental Africa. Your Beatitude, your mission is to unite all the peoples of Africa under the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, leading them to truth and salvation. As you fulfill this sacred mission, you embody the message that leadership is not about authority but service—uniting the various nations, cultures, and languages in peace, love, and harmony. We stand with you, wholeheartedly and unwaveringly, in this sacred mission.
Your presence here is a beacon of hope, a light of resurrection, reminding us that no trial is too great when we walk with God. The history of Orthodoxy in Africa is a history of patience, struggle, and, ultimately, divine grace. We have faced obstacles, yet we continue our journey, because we know that when the road is dark and uncertain, God remains Lord of all. The message of the Cross—sacrifice, forgiveness, and love—remains our guide. Just as Christ upon the Cross forgave His enemies, so we too must respond to the call of forgiveness and reconciliation, for only through forgiveness do we find true peace.
On this blessed day, as we celebrate your name day, we reaffirm our commitment to the unity of the Church. Your word calls us to patience, to tolerance, and to the care of the new generation. As you see today, the youth of our Church are growing in faith and knowledge, preparing to take on the work of leadership in the years to come. Under your guidance and with your prayers, we are confident that Orthodoxy in Africa will continue to flourish.
Your Beatitude, Kenya is your home, and we welcome you with open hearts and open arms. May your stay here be filled with joy, as we all celebrate together in the presence of God. And on this special day, we pray that the Lord will grant you many years with health, strength, and wisdom to continue leading us in faith and love.
Many years, Your Beatitude!
As a further expression of cultural respect, I offered several gifts of great value—a sculpture of the Lion of Alexandria, a hippocampus symbolizing authority and leadership, as well as a traditional wooden pastoral staff, which is particularly beloved by our elders. The day was further enriched by an impressive dance performance by the Maasai, whose graceful movements paid tribute to this sacred occasion.
A Surprise Announcement and a Joyful Ending
In a development that highlighted Kenya’s pivotal role in Africa’s Orthodox mission, His Beatitude announced that Nairobi is elevated to the honorary position of Second Capital after Alexandria.
At the same historic moment, His Eminence Makarios was elevated to the position of Exarch of Kenya and All East Africa, assuming the critical role of mediating and guiding ecclesiastical affairs throughout the East African region.
The celebration continued with enthusiastic hymns and dances from the students of St. Clement’s Primary School. His Beatitude cut and distributed a cake to all present, offered gifts to our sacred clergy, and concluded the day with a communal meal that exuded the warmth and unity of our Church.
In his farewell words, the Patriarch expressed his deep appreciation for the heartfelt messages and cultural symbols exchanged during his visit, acknowledging that the wisdom and traditions we shared—rooted in the teachings of great saints, such as Saint Sophrony, the spiritual father of Archbishop Makarios—will continue to guide us in our sacred mission.
In conclusion, the visit of Patriarch Theodore II not only confirmed the bonds of our faith and unity but also rekindled the spirit of service and dedication to the Church’s ongoing mission in Africa. May the light of Christ continue to shine brightly upon Nairobi and throughout our continent.
Archbishop Makarios of Nairobi
Exarch of All East Africa
