Cairo, September 18, 2026
Photo: exarchate-africa.ru
Six communities in Nigeria now have clean drinking water after the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa of the Russian Orthodox Church, with the support of donors, drilled and equipped new wells at their parishes in August 2026.
The wells were drilled and fitted with water supply systems at the parishes of St. Seraphim of Sarov in the village of Mbaakir, Great Martyr Catherine in the village of Ogbunike, Great Martyr George the Victorious in the village of Ugbaikwo, St. Joseph in the village of Ati, and in the communities of Noor and Agaave villages, the Patriarchate reports.
On September 9, Archimandrite Nifont (Hule) sent a letter of gratitude to Metropolitan Constantine of Cairo and North Africa, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, on behalf of the faithful of the communities under his care.
“With deep gratitude and humility, [we] express our sincere thanks to you,” the letter reads. “For years, our people suffered from thirst. Mothers with infants on their backs walked long distances to fetch water that was neither clean nor safe. Our crops died from drought, the sick lacked clean water to take their medicine, and children fell ill from being forced to drink whatever they could find.”
The letter continues: “The lack of quality, safe drinking water was a daily trial for our communities. This affliction touched every home, every school, and every community.”
“Today clean water flows where there was once only a struggle to survive,” the letter states. “Now families receive in church not only the Bread of Life, but also the water that sustains earthly life.”
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