The Russian Orthodox Church is set to strengthen its presence across African capitals, with the goal of supporting both Russian expatriates and local Orthodox Christian communities. This initiative was announced by Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, during a press conference at the TASS news agency.

Metropolitan Konstantin emphasized the importance of legal registration for church parishes across the continent, noting that such formal status is essential for the Church's long-term mission. "We have come to Africa for the long haul, so we need to build everything on a solid foundation," he said.

One of the key priorities of the Church's African mission, according to the Metropolitan, is the training of clergy from among local believers. He also mentioned that the Russian Church is considering establishing a theological education institution on the continent in the future.

"Our task in Africa is to build a proper church life while respecting the local clergy, traditions, and culture," Metropolitan Konstantin said. "We see Africans as our brothers and sisters — and at times, we learn from them as well."

He also highlighted some distinctive features of Orthodox life in Africa, such as the popularity of "Orthodox Mothers’ Unions" and a well-developed system of catechesis (religious instruction), which, he noted, has taken root more easily there than in Russia.

Despite ongoing military conflicts in several parts of the continent, Orthodox priests, according to the Metropolitan, are called to continue their liturgical duties, pray even for their enemies, and refrain from responding to violence with violence.

"The Church will survive and grow if we are able to show the true face of Christianity in Africa," Metropolitan Konstantin concluded.

The Russian Orthodox Church’s expansion in Africa comes amid broader global efforts to reach Orthodox believers outside of Russia and to engage in inter-cultural religious cooperation.