Metropolitan Daniel of Accra completed a five-day visit to the Diocese of Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso, aimed at strengthening the bonds between the Orthodox clergy and faithful. The visit included joint celebrations for Saint Athanasius, with an announcement of 2025 as the Year of Saint Athanasius the Great, and discussions to enhance the Orthodox presence in their respective provinces.

The five-day visit of Metropolitan Daniel of Accra to the Diocese of Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso has successfully concluded. This visit was undertaken under the divine blessings of Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa. Its primary aim was to strengthen the spiritual and fraternal connections among the Orthodox clergy and faithful of these two provinces in West Africa.

Bishop Athanasios extended an invitation to Metropolitan Daniel for a joint celebration in honor of Saint Athanasius, a significant Alexandrian Father, coinciding with Bishop Athanasios’s name day. The two dioceses, comprising Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso, belong to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and share complementary cultural and spiritual foundations.

During the visit, Bishop Athanasios graciously hosted Metropolitan Daniel and his team, engaging in various episcopal services across several parish churches. Together, they conveyed a profound message of unity under the historical Throne of Saint Mark. The Patriarchal Encyclical was read to announce 2025 as the “Year of Saint Athanasius the Great,” with numerous events planned throughout Africa.

In alignment with the mission of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the two Hierarchs reached an agreement to bolster Orthodox presence and initiatives within their respective regions. The visit emphasized collaboration to enhance their spiritual activities and service to the local orthodox communities, reinforcing their commitment to the faith and values they share.

The visit of the Metropolitan of Accra to the neighboring Diocese of Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso highlights the efforts of the Orthodox Church in fostering strong relationships among its provinces in West Africa. This engagement is vital for promoting unity and cooperation, not only within the ecclesiastical context but also within the broader socio-economic framework of the region, as these provinces are interconnected through membership in ECOWAS. Furthermore, the focus on commemorating significant religious figures, such as Saint Athanasius, serves to deepen the spiritual ties among the faithful.

In conclusion, Mayor Metropolitan Daniel’s visit to the Diocese of Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso was instrumental in reinforcing the bonds of unity within the Orthodox Church in West Africa. Through joint celebrations, services, and the proclamation of the Year of Saint Athanasius, both Bishops demonstrated their commitment to advancing the presence of the Orthodox faith and fostering deeper collaboration among their communities. This visit marks a significant step towards enhancing spiritual and fraternal ties in the region.

Original Source: orthodoxtimes.com

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