Continuing his pastoral and missionary visit to Kenya for a fourth consecutive day, and his third day in the Holy Metropolis of Eldoret and Northern Kenya, on Thursday, May 29, 2026, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over an outdoor Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the grounds of Bishop Athanasios Secondary School in the Mugen area.
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, together with more than sixty clergy from Orthodox dioceses across Kenya.
Hundreds of Orthodox faithful from throughout the region participated in the liturgical celebration, gathering from the early hours of the morning at the site of the Divine Eucharist and transforming the fertile African countryside into a large open-air pilgrimage of faith, hope, and unity.
Also present were the Governor of Nandi County, Stephen Sang, as well as representatives of local authorities and institutions.
The Patriarch spoke with deep emotion about the vibrant presence of Orthodoxy in Africa, emphasizing that the Orthodox Church embraces every human being as an image of God.
“The Church of Saint Mark,” he stressed, “always comes as a mother—not to rule, but to serve. It comes to wipe away tears, support families, educate children, heal wounds, and bring the message of the Gospel into people’s hearts. The Church’s greatest strength is not its power, but its love.”
The Patriarch of Love also referred to the sacrifices made by missionaries, clergy, catechists, teachers, and all those who work quietly for the spread of the Gospel throughout the African continent. He expressed his gratitude to the faithful people of Kenya for their devotion to the Orthodox faith.
Following the Divine Liturgy, students of the school, together with a group of Orthodox mothers, presented a traditional musical program in honor of the Patriarch. Through songs, dances, and expressions of authentic African hospitality, they conveyed their love, respect, and gratitude to their “White Father,” as the indigenous people of Africa affectionately call him.
The inauguration of the new Metropolitan Spiritual Center of Eldoret followed, marking another important milestone in the development of the local Church. The Patriarch once again expressed his satisfaction and admiration for the multifaceted ministry of Metropolitan Neophytos of Eldoret and Northern Kenya, emphasizing that the progress of the Orthodox mission in the region is the fruit of faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and vision.
At the same time, he warmly thanked all benefactors, donors, and friends of the Mission, whose love and generosity make possible the construction of churches, schools, spiritual centers, and other facilities that improve the lives of thousands of people.
Subsequently, at the invitation of the Governor of Nandi County, Stephen Sang, the Patriarch visited and blessed his residence. He described Sang as a genuine friend and valuable supporter of the Orthodox Church, noting his longstanding and practical support for the Church’s missionary work in the region.
In recognition of his valuable contribution to the Orthodox Church and the local community, Patriarch Theodore II awarded Governor Sang the Golden Lion of the Order of the Lion of Alexandria.
As the sun set over the land of Kenya, the day left yet another powerful testimony to the presence of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Africa—a Church that continues to walk alongside people, building hope where there is need, nurturing faith where there is a thirst for God, and bringing the Risen Christ’s message to even the most remote corners of the African continent.
From the blessed land of Kenya, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria continues to proclaim through deeds, and not only through words, that the love of Christ remains the greatest force capable of transforming the world.
