Representatives of the Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage, headed by Executive Director Egor Skopenko, paid a working visit to the Republic of South Africa on January 12, 2025.
During the visit to South Africa, the Foundation's delegation participated in matins and Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh of the Diocese of South Africa in Johannesburg, led by Patriarchal Exarch of Africa Metropolitan Konstantin Zaraisky.
The divine service was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Africa R.E. Ambarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to South Africa I.G. Bely, parishioners from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, and guests of the cathedral.
At the end of matins, Metropolitan Konstantin introduced Deacon Stefan Hayes to the clergy and parishioners, who had converted to the Russian Orthodox Church the day before, and handed him a decree on enrollment in the clergy of the South African Diocese and St. Sergius Cathedral.
The exarch also awarded the rector of St. John of the Ladder Church in Cape Town, Priest Nikolai Esterhazen, the right to wear a loincloth.
In addition, before the liturgy, the bishop consecrated reader and subdeacon Isaac Sifuba, and after the Eucharistic Canon ordained him to the rank of deacon.
As noted on the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, Deacon Isaac underwent a year-long training course under the guidance of Archpriest Daniel Lugovoy, dean of the parishes of the South African Diocese in South Africa, rector of St. Sergius Cathedral, and also underwent a series of interviews with Metropolitan Konstantin and passed his probation exam in December.
The bishop presented Deacon Isaac Sifuba with a decree on enrollment in the clergy of St. John of the Ladder Church in Cape Town and congratulated everyone on the newly ordained cleric.
After the service, a Christmas performance of Sunday school students took place at the parish center.