On January 9, 2025, the Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Father Georgy Maximov, and Hieromonk Cleonicus (Madudu) visited the city of Matadi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the community of Saint Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and baptized 19 individuals. Following the service, a meeting was held with leaders of five Orthodox communities. This was reported by the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.
On January 11, a delegation from the Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage, together with representatives of the Exarchate, visited the Orthodox orphanage "Oran la Force" in Kinshasa. They presented gifts to the children and inspected the living conditions at the orphanage.
The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa operates in two countries named Congo, located on opposite banks of the Congo River. The mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in the DRC and the Republic of Congo has been actively developing since 2022. At the beginning of 2025, on the eve of Christmas, another 30 residents of Kinshasa were baptized. The sacrament was performed by Hieromonk Cleonicus (Madudu), who had prepared the catechumens over the past year.
In Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, Father Georgy Maximov met with two leaders of non-canonical communities on January 5, discussing their desire to join the Russian Orthodox Church. He outlined the process for their integration and subsequent churching.
In Brazzaville, the Exarchate's activities are closely tied to the Russian House and the Russian Embassy. Christmas services held in January 2025 gathered not only compatriots but also local residents interested in the Orthodox faith. After the services, discussions were held on the unique aspects of Russian Orthodoxy and the Church's role in the lives of believers.