Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows
    • Pascha With St. John of Shanghai
    • Over 200 Entered the Church this Pascha in Hatfield, UK
    • On the Unity of the Church: An Interview with Dr. Symeon Paschalidis
    • OCA Delegation Attends Funeral of Pope Francis
    • Another Joyful Milestone at St. Vladimir’s Seminary
    • The “Chernobyl Savior” Icon
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    • Home
    • OCL
      • About OCL
      • Leadership
      • OCL News
      • OCL Publications
      • Focused Study and Research Topics
      • OCL Archives at DePaul University
    • Orthodox News & Links
      • Orthodox News Stories
      • Headlines & News Archives
      • Governance & Unity
        • Governance Top Stories
        • Governance & Unity Essays
        • Grassroots Unity in Action
      • OCL Forums
      • Orthodox Christian Laity News
      • Web Links
    • Audio & Video
      • Audio Index
      • Video Index
    • Contact
    • Make a Donation
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    You are at:Home»Governance & Unity News»Top Orthodox Church cleric in Democratic Republic of Congo dies of COVID-19

    Top Orthodox Church cleric in Democratic Republic of Congo dies of COVID-19

    0
    By Webmaster on July 31, 2021 Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link

    Source: Sight Magazine

    by JOHN SEMAKULA

    A top Orthodox Church cleric in Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo, Metropolitan Nickiphoros, has died of COVID-19.

    Metropolitan Nickiphoros. PICTURE: Via Facebook

    Kampala, Uganda — The cleric’s death, which occurred on 27th July, was announced on a number of Orthodox Church media outlets including the Facebook page of the Uganda Orthodox Church on 29th July.

     

    “Metropolitan Nickiphoros of Kinshasa, Congo [,] Reposed in the Lord! He has been a strong pillar in the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa. May his memory be Eternal always,” read the death announcement on Uganda’s Orthodox Church Facebook page.

    In Nairobi, Bishop Neofit of Nyeri and Mount Kenya wrote, “Sad moment for our patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa. Another great spiritual giant has fallen. Metropolitan Nickiphoros of Kinshasha. Very kind, humble, ascetic, less talk but great mission. Rest In Peace our dear brother and concelebrant in the vineyard of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You were a walking saint on earth. Eternal be your memory.”

    The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa, also known as the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, is an autocephalous patriarchate that is part of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which means it appoints it own head. Its seat is in Alexandria, Egypt, and has canonical responsibility for the entire African continent.

    Metropolitan Nickiphoros died at the age of 72. Sight has learnt that when the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II, heard of the death of Metropolitan Nickiphoros, he performed the Trisagion (a hymn of praise) for his soul to rest in peace.

    Before his death, Metropolitan Nickiphoros was first treated in his hospital in Congo, due to underlying diseases of the lungs and heart and later flown to Papanikolaou hospital in Thessaloniki in Greece. His transport out of Congo-Kinshasha was coordinated by the Greek Government in collaboration with the Congolese authorities, Sight has learnt.

    Metropolitan Nickiphoros joins a growing list of dozens of prominent clergy who have succumbed to COVID-19 in Africa. In Uganda, more than 20 clerics have recently succumbed to the pandemic.

    Metropolitan Nickiphoros was appointed to the position in charge of Central Africa by the Holy Synod on 7th October, 2010, at the suggestion of Theodoros II.

    Previously, he had held several responsibilities in academia and the church. After graduating from the theological faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1975, he received his doctorate from the theological faculty of the same university in 1999. In 2006 Metropolitan Nickiphoros joined the administration of the Orthodox University of Congo where he taught until the time of his death.

    Metropolitan Nickiphoros was also a respected global scholar who wrote a number of scientific studies and participated in various conferences in Greece, DRC and other countries. In February, 2022, he visited several cities in the DRC including Kikwit, Indiofa and Gungu during which he laid a foundation for a new church and mission centre at Indiofa.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleMetropolitan Tikhon officially announces the 20th All-American Council, AAC webpage goes live
    Next Article IN MEMORY OF NICHOLAS PAPPAS

    Related Posts

    May 9, 20252 Mins Read

    A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos

    April 30, 20251 Min Read

    A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows

    April 30, 20254 Mins Read

    Pascha With St. John of Shanghai

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Sign the Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity

    Enter the Slogan Contest

    Share this page
    DISCLAIMER

    All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    Stay Informed!

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT!

    Your donation impacts and helps advance the unity of the Orthodox Church of America.

    DONATE NOW

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

    Upcoming Events
    • There are no upcoming events.
    Recent Comments
    • Webmaster on A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • Irvinjacksonjr on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • George Marakis on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Gerry Perdilas on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Lakis Velotris on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    • Mary Zaras on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    • Lenny Heras on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Peter on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Peter on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Lambros on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    OCL Archives Online
    Project for Orthodox Renewal
    renewal-resize
    OCL Digital Newsletter

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    MAKE A DONATION

    St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Photini are the Patron Saints of OCL

    footer-fnl

    Orthodox Christian Laity
    PO Box 6954

    West Palm Beach, FL · 33405
    561-585-0245

    Sponsored by Ann Souvall in memory of husband George

    DISCLAIMER: All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    ©2025 Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) ·  Login

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.