On December 15, 2024, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. The service was co-officiated by Priest Georgy Maximov, Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa. The congregation included both local residents and Russian-speaking expatriates living in the country. The Liturgy was conducted in Church Slavonic and Spanish.  

At the conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Konstantin delivered an archpastoral address, emphasizing the importance of spiritual life in strengthening the Orthodox faith in African countries. The evening prior, the Russian House in Malabo was officially inaugurated, with Metropolitan Konstantin participating in the opening ceremony.  

The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa reported that Metropolitan Konstantin’s visit to Equatorial Guinea began on December 11. He was accompanied by Priest Georgy Maximov and his personal secretary, Reader V. V. Dendyuk.  

On December 12, the Metropolitan met with Mrs. Rima Bosio Riokalo, Deputy Minister of Justice for Religious Affairs and Human Rights. During their meeting, he discussed the missionary activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa, the history of the Patriarchal Exarchate, and efforts to support Orthodox Christians in Equatorial Guinea.  

Topics of discussion included collaboration in religious affairs and strengthening bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by ministry representatives, Russian Honorary Consul T. A. Yakovleva, staff from the Russian Embassy and Russian House, and clergy from the Exarchate.  

The Russian Orthodox Church began its active mission in Equatorial Guinea in October 2023 with the establishment of the first parish and celebration of the inaugural Liturgy. Currently, the Church is in the process of official registration, which will pave the way for building churches, including in Malabo and other cities.  

According to Priest Georgy Maximov, local interest in Orthodoxy is growing despite challenges. Regular services are not yet possible due to the absence of a permanent priest. Laypeople gather for communal prayers, staying connected with their pastoral overseer through an online chat.  

A key step for the mission’s future will be the training of local clergy. Approximately 60 African seminarians are currently studying in Russia, and it is anticipated that candidates from Equatorial Guinea will join them in the near future.  

The visit of Metropolitan Konstantin highlights the growing presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa and its commitment to supporting Orthodox Christians in Equatorial Guinea.