Construction of a stone church dedicated to St. Demetrius of Rostov is continuing at a Russian Orthodox Church parish in Luanshya, a city in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.

On October 21, representatives of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa held a working meeting to review the progress of the project, according to the exarchate’s official website.

Participants examined the architectural and construction documents, assessed the quality of the work completed, and discussed the next stages of construction. The meeting was attended by clergy responsible for Russian Orthodox Church parishes in Zambia, along with representatives of the exarchate.

Construction of the church began in 2024, when Metropolitan Konstantin, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, blessed the foundation stone. The new building is intended to serve as a place of worship for the local Orthodox community.

Alongside its religious activities, the parish is also involved in social initiatives aimed at supporting residents of the surrounding area.

With the assistance of the Russian Orthodox Church, a borehole providing access to drinking water has been drilled at the parish. The water supply is available not only to parishioners but also to people living in nearby communities. It can also support the ongoing construction work.

Access to safe drinking water remains a significant challenge in many African communities. The initiative therefore serves both the practical needs of local residents and the development of the parish.

The project reflects the Russian Orthodox Church’s expanding presence in Africa, combining the development of Orthodox religious infrastructure with community support initiatives in Zambia.