Exarch of Africa: We do not exclude Alexandrian hierarchs joining the ROC

Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Leonid of Klin. Photo: greekmos.ru

The Russian Orthodox Church admits the possibility of transferring hierarchs of the Alexandrian Patriarchate under its omophorion after the creation of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, the Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Leonid of Klin, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

He noted the importance of the personnel issue in the process of the formation of the Patriarchal Exarchate in Africa and possibility of the creation of new dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church in its composition. At the same time, Metropolitan Leonid noted that dioceses can be headed by bishops of both Russian and African clergy.

“We do not rule out expanding the structure of the Exarchate, if necessary. The issue of the possibility of setting up other dioceses and appointing bishops to the sees both from among the Russian and from among the African clergy, can be submitted to the Holy Synod for consideration. We also do not exclude that some of the bishops of the Alexandrian Patriarchate will declare their desire to join the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church,” said the bishop.

As reported by the UOJ, the ROC decided to create a center for the South African Diocese in Johannesburg.

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