Metropolitan Leonid of Klin: Russian Church won't leave African continent

The Russian Orthodox Church will continue its mission on the African continent regardless of further developments in Universal Orthodoxy, said Patriarchal Exarch Metropolitan Leonid of Klin in a comment published on his telegram channel for the media regarding the initiative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to convene a council of the "pentarchy" due to the establishment of the Patriarchal Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa.

“The Russian Orthodox Church will not leave the African continent whatever the circumstances might be,” said the Patriarchal Exarch for Africa. He expressed confidence that the majority of the Churches would back the decision of the ROC, as they understand what side the truth is.

“We are focused on the canonicity that we uphold. But I don’t doubt for a second that the plentitude of Universal Orthodoxy, viz. a number of Orthodox Local Churches, will surely support our decision. Because they understand that we are on the side of truth,” Metropolitan Leonid added.

As reported by the UOJ, the Exarch of the ROC for Africa believes that if a meeting of the Primates of the five Churches (“pentarchy” – Ed.) is held, only Greek primates will take part in it, which is going to completely discredit the participants in this process. 

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