Thousands Join Canonical Orthodox Church in Côte d’Ivoire in Significant Spiritual Shift

orthodoxmission.org.gr and OCP News Service – 18/06/2025

Accra – Ghana: A substantial group of approximately 5,000 Christians, including 24 self-proclaimed “Orthodox clergymen” and their 12 “parishes” in Côte d’Ivoire, have formally joined the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr). This significant spiritual development follows a year-long catechism process and marks a major expansion for the canonical Orthodox Church in West Africa.

According to Bishop Daniel, the group actively sought to unite with the Body of the Orthodox Canonical Church of Africa, having explicitly refused a proposal from a deposed former clergyman to join the Russian pseudo-Exarchate (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr). This mirrors a historical precedent set in 1982, when Ghanaian Orthodox brothers, previously Protestants, similarly acceded to the Patriarchate’s jurisdiction.

“The reality that we experience here in long-suffering Africa is completely different from what most people in the ‘developed’ countries of our planet understand. Here in Africa… we experience the miracles of Christ, small and great, every minute of our lives,” Bishop Daniel stated, reflecting on the journey (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr).

With the blessing of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, the extensive catechism program was led by Congolese Archimandrite Fr. Chrysostomos Kamuanga (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr). Bishop Daniel praised the “zeal of our Ivorian brothers for the knowledge of the Orthodox faith and life,” describing it as living “unique early Christian experiences.”

During a recent missionary tour to Côte d’Ivoire (February 22 – March 20, 2025), following confirmation of their adherence to Orthodox faith and tradition, the first clergy ordinations took place. The Sacrament of Holy Chrism formally received the new converts, including their family members, after confessions and canonical confirmation. Subsequently, 12 Priests, 10 Deacons, and 23 new Readers were ordained by the laying on of hands to serve the burgeoning new Parish Communities. The missionary Diocese of Accra, encompassing Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, now numbers 43 clergymen (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr).

The Bishop also presided over the inauguration of the new Parish Church of the Assumption of the Theotokos in the Brofodoume Region and placed Holy Antimensia in 14 new parishes and chapels across various regions, including those dedicated to Saint Basil the Great in Angre, Saint Maximus the Confessor in Bingerville, and Saint George the Trophy-Bearer in Djorobite. Foundation stones were also laid for three new parishes slated for construction (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr).

Bishop Daniel affirmed that the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s missionary work continues with “respect for traditions, understanding of spiritual needs, and of course, charity,” throughout the Continent. He concluded with a message of unwavering faith: “Every opposing, anti-evangelical and anti-canonical force that fights this work, using human worldly wisdom and wealth, sowing lies, division and discord, will fall. The glory of Orthodoxy will shine in the hearts of all Africans!” He also extended gratitude to the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity of Thessaloniki for their continuous support (Bishop Daniel of Accra, June 16, 2025, orthodoxmission.org.gr).

Source: orthodoxmission.org.gr