Patriarchate of Alexandria Defrocks Acting Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Reasserts Authority in Africa

Orthodox Times – OCP News Service – 17/12/2024

Cairo – Egypt: The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, led by Patriarch Theodore II, addressed key issues during its recent proceedings the ongoing dispute with the Moscow Patriarchate in Africa, and the defrocking Acting Patriarchal Exarch of Africa

Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe and Angola presented on “Preserving the Unity of the Local Churches in Africa under the Patriarchate of Alexandria,” sparking fruitful discussion on internal cohesion.

The Synod extensively reviewed the “intrusion” of the Church of Russia into its jurisdiction in Africa, specifically the establishment of the “Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa” by the Moscow Patriarchate. This move, deemed “non-canonical and disruptive,” continues to be a point of contention.

Acting Patriarchal Exarch of Africa Bishop Konstantin of Zaraisk, residing in Cairo within the Archdiocese of Alexandria, was defrocked by the Synod due to “committing a series of canonical offenses,” including intrusion into the Patriarchate’s jurisdiction, bribery of clergy, and dealing with defrocked individuals.

Bishop Konstantin was appointed as Acting Patriarchal Exarch of Africa on 11th October 2023. This action of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria follows the November 2022 defrocking of Metropolitan Lenoid, former the “Exarch in Africa” for the Moscow Patriarchate by its synod.

Source:
OCP News Service and Orthodox Times