“The decision regarding Africa was a response to the uncanonical actions of the Patriarch of Alexandria,” - Russian Orthodox Church representative

The secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), explained why the decision was made to sever relations with the Patriarchate of Alexandria and establish the African Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to the priest, the situation arose due to the uncanonical actions of Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, who recognized the OCU and concelebrated with the head of this organization. He spoke about this in an interview with The Orthodox Times.

“As you know, we have always had very good relations with the Patriarchate of Alexandria and warm personal relations with Patriarch Theodore. However, after the Patriarch decided to recognize the schism in Ukraine and concelebrated with the heads of this schismatic organization, we began to receive letters from many African clergymen. They carefully studied the canons and understood that, according to them, it is impossible to be in communion with schismatics. They were deeply concerned, not knowing what to do after their Patriarch entered into communion with the schismatics,” — the hieromonk noted.

He added that the Moscow Patriarchate did not respond to this situation for a long time, hoping that Patriarch Theodore would change his attitude towards the issue. However, this did not happen, which subsequently led to the creation of the African Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

“I can say that for almost two years, the Moscow Patriarchate refrained from any action. But after it became clear that Patriarch Theodore was not going to change his position and continued to communicate with this ‘group’ (…), about 100 clergymen in Africa found themselves without jurisdiction. Therefore, the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church decided to accept them,” — said Hieromonk Stefan.