By Earnest Kivumbi Benjamin – Updated at 0959 EAT on Wednesday 25th December 2024

KIBOGA, JINJA – UGANDA- The Russian Orthodox Church is steadily increasing its presence in Africa through the establishment of churches and the training of bishops. Metropolitan Constantine (Ilya Konstantinovich Ostrovsky), a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church and Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, laid the foundation stone for a mega cathedral in Kiboga Town Council, approximately 80 miles north of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, on Monday.

The cathedral, according to Rev. Fr. Dimitrios Ssendija, is dedicated to African saints. Speaking to HICGI News Agency, Fr. Ssendija urged Christians to contribute towards its construction.

Earlier on Sunday, Metropolitan Constantine led a mass on the banks of the River Nile in Jinja, where another church is under construction. During his visit to Uganda, he has traveled extensively, reaching regions such as Karamoja, as well as western and northern parts of the country.

In recent months, Metropolitan Constantine has visited over 20 African countries as part of his mandate to expand the Russian Orthodox Church’s footprint on the continent.

About Metropolitan Constantine (Ilya Konstantinovich Ostrovsky)

Title: Metropolitan of Zaraisk and Patriarchal Exarch of Africa
Born: August 3, 1977, in Moscow, Russia

Metropolitan Constantine was born into a devout family. His father, Archpriest Konstantin Ostrovsky, is the rector of the Assumption Church in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, and his mother, Rimma (baptized Alexandra) Georgievna Ostrovskaya, is a committed Orthodox Christian. He is the eldest of four brothers, two of whom are priests, including the renowned missionary, Priest Pavel Ostrovsky.

Education and Early Career:

1990–1995: Served in various capacities at the Assumption Church in Krasnogorsk.

1995: Entered the Moscow Theological Seminary, graduating in 1999.

1999: Began studies at the Moscow Theological Academy, graduating in 2003.

During his studies, he served as a subdeacon to Metropolitan Juvenal (Poyarkov) and was ordained a monk in 2001, taking the name Constantine. He was ordained deacon the same year and priest in 2002.

Roles and Achievements:

2002–2012: Vice-rector of the Kolomna Theological Seminary and choir director.

Taught comparative theology and Church singing while serving as a member of the Moscow Oblast Diocese Council.

2012: Appointed titular Bishop of Zaraisk and vicar of the Moscow Oblast Diocese. Consecrated by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in the newly consecrated Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs at Kolomna Seminary.

Work in Africa:
In 2023, Metropolitan Constantine was appointed Acting Patriarchal Exarch of Africa. Despite language challenges, he has traveled extensively across the continent, establishing churches and promoting Orthodox Christianity.

In February 2024, the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria defrocked him, a decision he rejected, asserting his allegiance to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian Synod declared the defrocking invalid and confirmed him as Patriarchal Exarch of Africa.

Elevation to Metropolitan:
On March 24, 2024, Metropolitan Constantine was elevated to his current rank by Patriarch Kirill at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.

He remains a key figure in the Russian Orthodox Church’s missionary work, particularly in Africa, where he continues to oversee new projects and communities.

This revised text improves readability, provides a clearer structure, and emphasizes key events and achievements without redundancy.

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