A look into Orthodox Africa

 

Its not very often that I take a break from the theology of the Orthodox Church and delve into something that is different and unique. I believe in wholeheartedly sharing the faith as best I can, and time does not allow for frivolities. You must always be on a mission from God. However today we are going to look in depth at an organization that is doing just that. One that I support and believe are doing some phenomenal work in the world of Orthodoxy. Today we are going to be looking into Orthodox Africa and the work they are doing on that continent.

I was first introduced to Orthodox Africa through a friend of mine, Subdeacon Nektarios, who works in conjunction with the organization. I was not too familiar with what they were doing in Africa, but he suggested I check them out and discover the joy of missionary work they are carrying out for myself. So, I did. After brief research into this fine group of dedicated people, I can assure you that they are indeed bringing the spirit of the apostles with them to Africa.

Orthodox Africa was founded in 2015 by a Hieromonk, Silouan Brown. He received the blessings of Metropolitan Hilarion of ROCOR and Metropolitan Jonah Paffhausen who is the former Primate of the OCA. His mission was simple. Hieromonk Silouan would go into orthodox communities in Africa and establish self-sustaining missions where the parishes could take care of themselves without the need for foreign aid. They have now established parishes, agricultural projects, raising animals, schools and clean water programs. The spiritual director of the organization is Metropolitan Jonah of who I mentioned earlier. Hieromonk Silouan remains as the director of Orthodox Africa. My friend Subdeacon Nektarios is the Associate Director and long-time priest Father Seraphim Holland is a member of the board. The two countries in which Orthodox Africa works in at the present time is Kenya and Uganda. Both countries have a growing population of Orthodox Christians.  Because of the nature of the orthodox in Africa liturgical items are very hard to come by and must be sourced from Orthodox countries, especially in Eastern Europe. It is my hope that one day we as Orthodox Christians will be able to have supplied Africans with enough time and effort that these items can be produced within the countries themselves. Father Silouan himself is currently in Georgia to obtain these items and he also recently relocated to Uganda full time. He has established St. John of Shanghai Orthodox Christian Mission Center in Kampala to become the very first headquarters on the continent. Eventually a school for clergy will be established there, training locals to become priests and tend the flock themselves. All in all the work that this organization is doing is very helpful to Africa and is bringing the people closer to Christ. While I am not asking for you to donate, if you feel compelled to do so, the website is orthodoxafrica.org. I pray for all Orthodox Christians and especially those on the continent of Africa that their faith remains strong and that do not fall away. May God bless Father Silouan and all who work for Orthodox Africa.

Amen.