The Voice of Orthodoxy from Western Kenya

His Grace Bishop Philip of Kisumu and Western Kenya speaks candidly about the situation he has faced since October, when he was ordained bishop in the western province of Kenya.

The Diocese of Kisumu was established ten years ago and extends across a vast area of Western Kenya, near the border with Uganda. There are approximately 200,000 Orthodox faithful scattered across distances that require up to fifteen hours of travel by car. Of the 42 parishes in the diocese, only ten have permanent, built churches. The rest operate in makeshift structures made of mud and corrugated iron.

The region is affected by the crisis that began with the rivalry between Russia and Ukraine: dozens of priests abandoned the diocese, leaving the remaining 31 to serve two to three parishes each, with some operating only once a month.

At the same time, the diocese supports eight schools and is obliged to cover tuition fees and books for children from families who cannot afford them.

Bishop Philip does not hide the difficulty of his mission, nor his hope. The missionary work progresses through the local customs and traditions: funerals, weddings, and baptisms become opportunities to meet people of every creed, and the vibrant celebration of the holy mysteries speaks to the hearts of the indigenous people.

With humility and frankness, Bishop Philip appeals to the Greeks to help devise a plan for the long-term self-sufficiency of the diocese. For, as he clarifies, the goal is not eternal dependence, but the day when the Church of Western Kenya will also be able to offer to others, according to the Gospel’s “freely you have received, freely give.”

Bishop Philip of Kisumu visited Greece for the first time in February, where he was invited to Thessaloniki by the Orthodox External Mission Fraternity and met with His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.

Watch him present the Diocese of Kisumu in the video above.