Russian Orthodox Church says Christians in Africa are satisfied with the presence of the Russian military

This is reported by Interfax.

"People from Mali and the Central African Republic are already contacting us and saying that they are very happy with the presence of those military specialists who "protect our rights and freedoms." Let me interpret what they say– this is a far cry from what was before. People turn to us, thank us, and say that we can finally practice Christianity without fear for our lives," the hierarch said at a press conference in Moscow on Friday.

Metropolitan Leonid noted that when deploying its administrative centers and building churches in Africa, the Russian Church should "be well aware of the degree of threat that will weigh on all of us."

"We understand that we will not do anything there with one prayer, although, of course, we hope for God first of all," he said.

Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev bragged that in Africa, people take to the streets with posters featuring: "Thank you to Putin!"

At the end of 2021, the Russian Orthodox Church, violating Orthodox canons, formed its dioceses on the territory of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Moscow explained its incursion saying that in this way it "protects those who did not accept the Ukrainian split."

The Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, The Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Epifaniy of the OCU, and the hierarchs of African countries opposed the illegal actions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Archbishop Jerome of Athens and Greece once again confirmed his unity with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in recognizing the Ukrainian Church.