Supporting Orthodox Theological Education in Africa
Since its founding, the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity has maintained a unique relationship with the Holy Metropolis of Kinshasa, particularly with the only recognized Orthodox Theological School in sub-Saharan Africa, dedicated to Saint Athanasios the Athonite.
This important work began through the initiative of the late Metropolitan Ignatios of Pentapolis and today flourishes under the guidance of Metropolitan Theodosios of Kinshasa, who also serves as the Rector of the Theological School.
Our Fraternity has supported this work in various ways, undertaking initiatives both in infrastructure development and educational and material support:
- We contributed €100,000 toward the construction of the School’s facilities.
- We regularly send shipping containers with valuable goods to meet students’ basic needs for food, hygiene items, and educational equipment. To date, nine containers have been sent, providing relief and support for the daily life of the School’s students.
- We regularly support the School with financial transfers. Over the past year, we decided to send monthly amounts to cover part of the School’s operational expenses.
- Members of the Fraternity’s Board of Directors have taught or continue to teach at the Theological School, including:
- the late President of the Fraternity, Vaios Prantzos,
- the late Professor Maria Kazamia of the Aristotle University Theological School and Board member,
- the Fraternity’s General Secretary, Dr. Konstantinos Metallidis.
On Sunday, July 6th, the graduation ceremony of the Theological School took place in Kinshasa. Following a divine service at the Church of Saint Athanasios the Athonite, the diploma ceremony was held in the School’s event hall in the presence of the Greek Ambassador to Congo, Mr. Antonios Papadopoulos. In his speech, the valedictorian thanked the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity for the steadfast support it provides to the School.
We, in turn, express our warm gratitude to His Eminence for the exemplary cooperation, tireless dedication, and devotion he shows to the missionary work.
We also thank the donors and supporters of the Fraternity for their continued support, thanks to which this wonderful work of the Orthodox Theological School of Kinshasa continues.
