Thousands in Ivory Coast Enter Canonical Orthodox Church After Year-Long Catechism

Photo: orthodoxmission.org.gr

ACCRA — In a landmark development for Orthodoxy in West Africa, approximately 5,000 Christians in Côte d’Ivoire – including 24 former independent “clergymen” and 12 parishes – have officially entered into communion with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, following a year-long catechetical process.

Bishop Daniel of Accra, who announced the news on June 16, said the group deliberately rejected overtures from a defrocked ex-cleric to join another church, choosing instead to pursue unity with the canonical Orthodox Church. Their decision echoes a similar event in 1982, when Ghanaian Christians joined the Patriarchate from Protestant backgrounds.

“Every opposing, anti-evangelical and anti-canonical force that fights this work, using human worldly wisdom and wealth, sowing lies, division, and discord will fall,” Bishop Daniel said. “The glory of Orthodoxy will shine in the hearts of all Africans!”

The converts were received through the Sacrament of Holy Chrism after confession and canonical examination, with 12 priests, 10 deacons, and 23 readers ordained during a recent missionary visit (Feb. 22 – Mar. 20). Led by Archimandrite Chrysostomos Kamuanga and blessed by Patriarch Theodoros II, the mission also saw the consecration of new parishes and the laying of foundation stones for future churches.

Calling the event a “unique early Christian experience,” Bishop Daniel praised the Ivorian faithful’s zeal and affirmed the Church’s commitment to missionary work rooted in tradition, compassion, and truth.

“The reality that we experience here in long-suffering Africa is completely different from what most people in the ‘developed’ countries of our planet understand,” Bishop Daniel said. “Here in Africa… we experience the miracles of Christ, small and great, every minute of our lives.”

Previously, UOJ reported that 182 Kenyans had been baptized into the faith.

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