Historic First Orthodox Priest Ordained on Réunion Island
Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
RÉUNION, FRANCE — A historic milestone for Orthodoxy in the Indian Ocean was marked on February 17, 2026, as Metr. George of Guinea ordained Seraphim Jean Florent Turpin the first Orthodox priest of island origin from Mauritius and Réunion.
The ordination took place on the name day of Patr. Theodore II of Alexandria and was celebrated in the presence of faithful of French, Lebanese, Romanian, Russian, and local backgrounds. Metr. George, Patriarchal Exarch of Mauritius, conveyed the Patriarch’s paternal blessings and described the ordination as the finest gift that could be offered in his honor.
The newly ordained Fr. Seraphim will serve the pastoral needs of Orthodox communities on both Réunion and Mauritius, territories under the spiritual care of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. During the visit, two men were ordained Readers, and special thanks were expressed to a local family who hosted the community and the Divine Liturgy in their home.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theodore II honored St. Anthony the Great in Alexandria.
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