New Title for African Exarch: Metropolitan Konstantin Now “of Cairo and North Africa”

Met. Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa

OCP News Service – 26/07/2025

Moscow- Russia: During a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church held in Moscow on July 24, 2025, a significant decision was made regarding the titles of diocesan bishops within the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa (Journal No. 84). Notably, His Eminence Metropolitan Konstantin, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, has officially been granted the title “of Cairo and North Africa.”

The Synod’s decree formalizes the titles for the leadership of its African dioceses. It stipulated that the ruling bishop of the North African diocese shall be titled “of Cairo and North Africa.” Concurrently, the ruling bishop of the South African diocese is to bear the title “of Johannesburg and South Africa.”

Confirming his dual role, the Synod explicitly decreed that Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk will hold the title “of Cairo and North Africa,” in addition to his overarching position as Patriarchal Exarch of Africa. Furthermore, it was decided that the temporary administration of the South African Diocese will remain under the purview of Metropolitan Konstantin, the Patriarchal Exarch (Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, July 26, 2025).

This decision marks a further step in the organizational development of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, which was established by the Holy Synod on December 29, 2021 (Journal No. 100). Metropolitan Konstantin’s initial appointment as Acting Patriarchal Exarch on October 11, 2023, was confirmed on March 12, 2024, followed by his elevation to the rank of Metropolitan on March 24, 2024.

Source:

OCP News Service