The Russian Orthodox Church has delivered ten tons of humanitarian aid to the Republic of the Congo, part of which was distributed among local Orthodox communities, the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa reported. Currently, three priests of the Exarchate serve in the country, ministering to seven parishes.

The aid mission was led by Fr. Georgy Maksimov, head of the Exarchate’s Missionary Department, who arrived in the Congo on October 31 with the blessing of Metropolitan Constantine of Cairo and North Africa. As part of the initiative, the Russian side also presented motorcycles to Congolese clergy — Fr. Silouan Nkunku, Fr. John Ndzingula, and Fr. Timothy Nzebe — to assist them in traveling between remote parishes.

Food supplies and essential goods were distributed to over 500 families in need across several cities, including Pointe-Noire, Brazzaville, Dolisie, Luingi, and Nkayi. In the Parish of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Pointe-Noire, 36 families received assistance, while 26 families were helped in the Parish of St. Basil the Great in Brazzaville.

Each distribution began with prayer and a short homily, and in addition to food, parishioners and catechists received Orthodox brochures in French.

According to Fr. Maksimov, this mission became the largest humanitarian operation conducted by the Russian Orthodox Church in Congo to date.

“Despite the difficulties of the journey, we were able to reach every parish in the country. This is not only a gesture of aid to those in need but also an important step in the development of church life,” he said.

On November 2, Fr. Georgy celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Russian House in Brazzaville, concelebrating with local clergy.

The Russian Orthodox Church has previously organized humanitarian efforts in the Congo — in 2022, to aid the poor in Brazzaville, and in 2023, to support flood victims in Dolisie. However, this latest initiative marks the first time all Orthodox parishes in the country were included.

The delivery of aid was carried out in cooperation with the Embassy of Russia in the Republic of the Congo, the Russian House in Brazzaville, and local authorities. Route security was ensured by Congolese military personnel, while the mission was covered by journalists from African Initiative and local media outlets.