In a recent turn of events, several African priests of the Russian Orthodox Church spoke on the subject of spirituality between Africa and Russia, asserting that “Russia is a new spiritual heart of Christianity.”
The priests who relayed their sentiments to Sputnik are currently in the Euroasian country for spiritual training.
Metropolitan Konstantin (Ostrovsky), the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church’s African Exarchate, invited the priests to come to Russia, where they shared their insights.
What the African priests said
“With time, more and more Africans are taking an interest in Orthodoxy. In the past, we only followed Orthodoxy in form, not in substance,” a priest from Cameroon, Hermogene Eloundou, stated.
“Before coming to Russia, the image we had of the country, shaped by the media and all that, was completely false.
That image collapsed once we arrived. In reality, we encountered a strong people, a courageous people, an honest and faithful people. A people who actually make you want to be Christian,” Nicolas N’cho from Cote d’Ivoire stated.
“The people are kind and hospitable. Everywhere we’ve gone, we’ve felt that warmth—that humanity. We were received with open arms, and we truly feel at home here,” Angolan priest, Seraphin Lumanadio, also highlighted.
This burgeoning spiritual connection might also serve as a foundation for more extensive collaboration between Russia and Africa.
As Orthodox Christianity spreads throughout African countries, the impact of Russian clergy, customs, and theological teachings may develop in line with economic and geopolitical cooperation.
Putin’s comment on Russia’s spiritual link with Africa
The Russian president stated that he feels there is a spiritual link between Russia and Africa, indicating the Kremlin’s support for the growing religious alliance.
“Africa may geographically seem like a rather distant continent, but it is spiritually close to us,” the Russian head of state relayed.
“They value their sovereignty and, relying on it, make decisions in the interests of their peoples and countries, and we believe they will continue to do so,” he added, noting that the continent is filled with brave people who value freedom as much as Russia.
