Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited the Turkana region in northern Kenya, one of the poorest and most afflicted regions in the world, with deep emotion and scenes that are difficult to describe in words. He brought the message of Christ’s love, hope, and paternal presence to people who struggle daily amid deprivation and extreme poverty.
On the morning of May 27, 2026, the Patriarch departed from Nairobi for the Holy Metropolis of Eldoret and Northern Kenya. He wished to be close not only to the local Orthodox community, but also to everyone in the region who is in need of a word of consolation and a loving gaze, regardless of tribe or religion.
The welcome that the people of Turkana offered the “Patriarch of Love” was profoundly moving. Crowds of people, small children, young people, mothers, and the elderly, many of them barefoot, hurried to greet the Primate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria with smiles, songs, traditional dances, and tears of joy.
In the arid lands of the African desert, where human life is tested daily, the arrival of Patriarch Theodore II was a testament to the fact that our Holy Church never abandons her children and that the love of Christ reaches even the most forgotten corners of the world.
As part of his visit, the inauguration of the Church of the Great Martyr Saint George, donated by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center of America, took place. This was followed by a solemn Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, presided over by Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa. It was co-officiated by Elder Archbishop Makarios of Kenya; Metropolitan Neophytos of Eldoret and Northern Kenya; Bishops Sylvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda; Philip of Kisumu and Western Kenya; Archimandrite Athenodoros Papaevrypiadis; and other clergy from the surrounding region.
During the Divine Eucharist, Fr George was ordained as a deacon to strengthen the local clergy and missionary ministry. The Patriarch warmly congratulated Metropolitan Neophytos on his remarkable and demanding work in the region, emphasising that more than ten priests had already been ordained to meet the growing needs of the local Church.
Speaking with paternal love, the Patriarch wished the new deacon a blessed ministry. He stressed that, in Africa, the priesthood is not a position of honour, but rather a life of sacrifice and service for the sake of suffering humanity.
Speaking from the heart, the Patriarch addressed the people of Turkana, moving those present deeply. Among other things, he emphasised: “Our Holy Church forgets no human being. I have come here today not as a ruler, but as a father. I have come to tell you that God loves you and that you are not alone. Africa lives in the heart of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. I see dignity in your difficult daily lives, strength of faith in your hardships, and the future of the Church and of humanity in the eyes of your children.”
The Patriarch also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for its continuous and invaluable support of the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s missionary work in Africa. Through this work, life and hope are brought to the most remote and impoverished regions of the continent.
His next stop was Lodwar, where he opened a new missionary centre donated by the Orthodox Christian Mission Centre. The centre is expected to provide vital services, love and spiritual support to hundreds of families in the area.
The day ended with the people of Turkana bidding farewell to their spiritual father, the Patriarch, with songs, tears, and prayers.
Indeed, in the silence of the African desert, where the world so often forgets, the Orthodox Church once again made her presence known, carrying a message from the blessed land of Africa that transcends borders and nations. Where Christ is present, love, faith, and sacrifice flourish, and ultimately, through every hardship and suffering, Resurrection and Redemption will prevail.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
