Yaoundé, Cameroon, August 4, 2026
Photo: exarchate-africa.ru
Nine former “clerics” from a non-canonical group were received as laymen into the Moscow Patriarchate’s African Exarchate in Cameroon recently.
The reception took place last month at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, the Exarchate reports.
Among the nine were five former “priests,” a former “deacon,” and three former “readers,” all of whom were received as laymen.
The Sacrament of Chrismation was performed by Fr. Pavel Atangana, dean of the parishes in Cameroon and rector of the parish, together with Fr. Benedikt Ovona.
“During our conversations, they agreed to all the conditions I laid out that are necessary for entering the bosom of the Orthodox Church,” said Fr. Pavel. “I wanted to clarify their true intentions. At first, they firmly believed that they belonged to an Orthodox community, but then they realized they belonged to a non-canonical jurisdiction and expressed a desire to join the true Church.”
The catechumens underwent a month of preparation, regularly attending services and discussions. They’re currently continuing their catechization under the guidance of Fr. Pavel.
In June 2024, more than 50 members of a non-canonical group, including its “bishop,” were received into the Church in Cameroon.
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