ROC Exarch invites young people to serve in new parishes in Africa

The Patriarchal Exarch for Africa, Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbachev) of Klin, called on Orthodox youth to serve in the new parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, which are being created on the African continent, Interfax-Religion reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow about the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa, the hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church noted the uniqueness of the current situation. “For us, this is history, and now we are forging this history together and making it with our hands,” he said.

The Patriarchal Exarch invited young people to directly participate in the creation and development of new Orthodox parishes in Africa. “Extra hands will never hurt. (...) We will warmly welcome every person who wants to work on the African continent,” said Metropolitan Leonid.

As the UOJ reported, clerics of the Exarchate of Africa will become novices in Russian monasteries. 

Read also

32 Catechumens Baptized at St. John of Shanghai Mission Center in Uganda

Local faithful receive sacraments after months of preparation.

Armenian PM Says Security Ordered Clergy Not to Mention Catholicos at Services He Attends

Pashinyan cites security protocols as Church leadership denounces practice as a serious violation.

Spots Open at New Gracanica's Winter Youth Retreat

Limited spots available for high-school participants, with the retreat taking place Dec. 26-30, 2025

Met. Saba: The Church Offers Authentic Masculinity and Femininity

Antiochian hierarch urges deeper study of conversion trends, stressing that Orthodoxy offers complementarity — not competition — between men and women.

GOARCH Sets 2026 Clergy-Laity Congress for Cleveland

GOARCH will convene its 2026 Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland, highlighting parish renewal under the theme “Rise and Build,” alongside major Philoptochos and young-adult gatherings.

Monastic Vocations Gathering Draws Young Men to St. Peter's Monastery

Visit from Hilandar abbot highlights growing interest in Orthodox monastic life in America.