On Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2026, Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa concluded his visit to Kenya by presiding over the Divine Liturgy at Saint Mark Cathedral in Kapsabet, in the Holy Metropolis of Eldoret and Northern Kenya.
Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Archbishop Makarios of Kenya, Metropolitan Neofitos of Eldoret and Northern Kenya, Bishop Sylvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, and Bishop Philippos of Kisumu and Western Kenya.
Clergy from the Metropolis of Eldoret and other dioceses in Kenya took part in the service, along with many faithful from the surrounding areas who gathered to celebrate Pentecost and receive the Patriarch’s blessing.
Representatives of the Governor of Nandi County, as well as local government officials and community leaders, were also present. They expressed their appreciation for the Patriarchate of Alexandria and its work in Kenya and across Africa.
During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theodoros ordained Subdeacon Julius Kipyego Bett to the diaconate, giving him the name Parthenios in memory of the late Patriarch Parthenios III of Alexandria, the Patriarch’s predecessor and spiritual father. The ordination coincided with the 30th anniversary of Patriarch Parthenios III’s repose (1996–2026).
The Patriarch also elevated Fr. Kyrillos, an Economos of the Holy Metropolis of Eldoret and Northern Kenya, to the rank of Protopresbyter, in recognition of his dedicated service and contribution to the local Church.
The highlight of the gathering was the enthronement of Metropolitan Neofitos as the first Metropolitan of Eldoret and Northern Kenya. The enthronement took place following the Kneeling Vespers and was conducted by Patriarch Theodoros.
It is recalled that during the session of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria on October 7, 2025, under the presidency of Patriarch Theodoros, the Diocese of Eldoret and Northern Kenya was elevated to the rank of Metropolis, in recognition of the growth of the Orthodox Church in the region and its increasing pastoral and missionary needs.
In his address, the Patriarch congratulated Metropolitan Neofitos on the work already being carried out in the newly established Metropolis. He noted that the elevation of the ecclesiastical province was the result of years of missionary efforts and the strong faith of the Orthodox faithful in Kenya.
The Patriarch encouraged the Metropolitan to continue serving the clergy and faithful with dedication, expressing the hope that the Metropolis of Eldoret would continue to strengthen its role in the spiritual, educational, and charitable life of the region.
Concluding his remarks, the Patriarch thanked the local authorities for their cooperation and continued support of the Church’s work, and prayed that peace, prosperity, and God’s blessing would always accompany the people of Kenya.
For his part, Metropolitan Neofitos expressed his deep gratitude to Patriarch Theodoros, saying that it was a great blessing to be enthroned by the Patriarch of Alexandria himself.
He reflected on his journey in the Church and thanked God for guiding him to this important moment of responsibility and service.
The Metropolitan also expressed special thanks to Archbishop Makarios of Kenya for his longstanding guidance and support, as well as to Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe and Angola, whom he described as a major benefactor during his years of study and priestly ministry.
He also spoke about his 96-year-old mother, thanking her for the support, faith, and prayers she has offered throughout his life. He noted that a mother is often a person’s first teacher of faith and said that her example played an important role in his path to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Concluding his address, the Patriarch thanked the clergy of the Metropolis for their service and commitment to the Church, encouraging them to continue their ministry and pastoral work.
The enthronement of Metropolitan Neofitos marked the conclusion of Patriarch Theodoros II’s visit to Kenya. During his stay, he visited Orthodox communities across the country, inaugurated church and community projects, ordained clergy, met with local faithful, and supported the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in the region.
