Metropolitan Gregory of Cameroon visited Thessaloniki as a guest of the Brotherhood of Orthodox External Mission, where he delivered a compelling talk drawing from his 21 years of continuous missionary service in Cameroon.
Reflecting on his experience in sub-Saharan Africa, he noted that missionary work today presents challenges similar to those faced by the early Church around 160 AD. He strongly rejected the notion of an “uncivilized Africa,” calling it a harmful myth, and emphasized the continent’s rich cultural heritage. He highlighted that Africa’s many tribes, 230 in Cameroon alone and 550 in neighboring Nigeria, possess deep traditions in ritual, poetry, music, and theology.
The Metropolitan also referenced historical injustices, including the exploitation of the Congo Free State under King Leopold II of Belgium, describing the brutality inflicted on local populations. He further recalled how Africans were once exhibited in European zoos, underscoring the need for historical awareness and respect.
A particularly moving moment came when he spoke about the friendship between Jomo Kenyatta and Makarios III of Cyprus, which began during their exile under British colonial rule. This relationship later contributed to the development of Orthodox missionary work in Kenya.
Addressing the modern religious landscape in Africa, Metropolitan Gregory pointed to the spread of the “Prosperity Gospel” and subscription-based Protestant churches, contrasting them with the sacrificial ethos of Orthodoxy. He stressed that true Christian life often passes through hardship, not material comfort.
Speaking about missionary methodology, he revealed that he begins with chapters 5 to 7 of the Gospel of Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount, calling it sufficient to convey the essence of the Gospel. He emphasized that mission is not limited to baptisms but requires consistent presence and authentic witness.
Concluding his address, he offered a personal reflection, stating that without his experience in Cameroon, he would have remained confined to a limited understanding of the world. He described Orthodox Christians outside their homeland as a small minority, but one that, if faithful, can act as “leaven” capable of transforming the whole.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
