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Heart and Soul: Russia’s Africa crusade

Russia’s Africa crusade

19/01/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, Russia’s Africa crusade

How Moscow is using divisions within Orthodox Christianity to extend its power in Africa

How Moscow is using divisions within Orthodox Christianity to extend its power in Africa.

When the Russian Orthodox Church set up its own outpost in Africa in late 2021, just months before the invasion of Ukraine, it was considered a blatant challenge to the historic authority of the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. It sparked a major split in the global Orthodox community. Moscow’s move was in response to Alexandria’s support for the newly independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine. But it was also an opportunity for Russia to try to extend its influence across the African continent. 

Lucy Ash hears how priests in Kenya have been lured into joining the Russian Orthodox Church and asks whether President Vladimir Putin’s crusade for hearts and minds will succeed. 

Producers: Mike Lanchin and Michael Kaloki
Editor: Kristine Pommert
A CTVC production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill speaks during the Second Summit Economic and Humanitarian Forum Russia Africa, 27 July, 2023 in Saint Petersburg. Credit: Getty Images)

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