Metropolitan Leonid called the appearance of the patriarchal exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa an epochal event

Patriarchal Exarch of Africa commented on the appearance of the ROC on the continent

KAMPALA, May 21. The appearance of the Patriarchal Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa was an epochal event, unprecedented in its history, said the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbachev).

"We are at the stage of forming the agenda of the Orthodox presence in the very center of Africa. There have never been such events in the history of the Russian Church. This event, I'm not afraid of this word, is epochal, historical, the decision on this was not easy to form, but it was made, so we will work and create in this direction. We have all the opportunities for this," Metropolitan Leonid said at a meeting with compatriots in the Ugandan capital Kampala.

He noted that the established good relations of the Russian Embassy with the Ugandan establishment allow us to hope for good prospects for the implementation of the plans of the exarchate.

Uganda is part of the South African Diocese of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, whose department is located in Johannesburg. It is in this country that the first-ever pastoral visit of the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa of the Russian Orthodox Church, which began on May 18, is taking place. During the trip, the Metropolitan held a number of meetings, including at a high level, and also met with compatriots living in Uganda and with Ugandan clergy who have converted to the Russian Church.

A few more photos from the meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.