Metropolis of Nigeria condemns the actions of the defrocked from Priesthood, former “Metropolitan of Klin” Leonidas.
As it mentions, regarding the post on Internet of the former priest concerning the “recognition” of the Russian Church in the Republic of Nigeria, this “recognition” does not constitute a special gesture of favor by the Nigerian Government towards the religious group in question.
The Metropolis also makes clear that the Patriarchal Throne of Alexandria, under His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II, was, is and will remain, according to the Tradition, Canons and the Ecclesiology of the Church, the only canonical Eastern Orthodox jurisdiction in Africa.
It also adds that the presence of this new religious entity in the country is not physically intended to “save” the African brothers from sects and other related ridiculous arguments as presented by them, but serves specific national, political and ecclesiastical purposes and plans, drawn up over many decades.
Read the announcement of Metropolis of Nigeria
Recently, the defrocked from Priesthood, former “Metropolitan of Klin” Leonidas, published on Internet the “recognition” of the Russian Church in the Republic of Nigeria. For this reason, the Orthodox Metropolis of Nigeria of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa informs the public that:
1. In accordance with the provisions of the Law of the Federal Government of Nigeria, every religious, charitable, business etc. Organization, in order to operate legally, is obliged to submit an official application-request to the authorities and obtain relevant approval.
2. This “recognition” does not constitute a special gesture of favor by the Nigerian Government towards the religious group in question and therefore unworthy of mention or celebration, as the group’s collaborators in Nigeria are well aware.
3. The Patriarchal Throne of Alexandria, under His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II, was, is and will remain, according to the Tradition, Canons and the Ecclesiology of the Church, the only canonical Eastern Orthodox jurisdiction in Africa.
4. The Holy Metropolis of Nigeria of our Patriarchate, continues her missionary work, honoring and respecting the struggles and anxieties of dozens of clergy and pious believers who worked devoutly throughout the previous decades. We are marching without the political, financial, etc. support and protection of foreign powers and governments.
5. We believe that the presence of this new religious entity in the country is not physically intended to “save” the African brothers from sects and other related ridiculous arguments as presented by them, but serves specific national, political and ecclesiastical purposes and plans, drawn up over many decades.
