In August 2025, with support from the Mission Center, His Grace Bishop Athanasios of the Holy Diocese of Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso led a historic month-long missionary visit to Burkina Faso—the first in nearly 60 years. This visit, made possible through a Mission Center grant, marks a pivotal step in reestablishing the Orthodox Church’s presence under the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.
During the journey, the Bishop and his team of clergy and lay leaders traveled across the capital, Ouagadougou, meeting with government officials, local community leaders, and families eager to learn about the Orthodox faith. They celebrated the Divine Liturgy, distributed food to victims of terrorism, and brought comfort to orphaned children in refugee camps. The visit also initiated the process of official state recognition for the Orthodox Church in Burkina Faso—an essential foundation for the Church’s long-term mission in the region.
Despite the challenges—limited space, lack of permanent clergy, and financial constraints—the mission has already sparked new life. A small but faithful community now gathers regularly for catechism and worship, including several adults and children who are preparing for baptism. Plans are underway to secure a permanent residence for church activities, expand to the city of Bobo Dioulasso, and create local media broadcasts to share the Orthodox faith in native languages.
Bishop Athanasios expressed his deep gratitude to the Mission Center, writing: “Your valuable support allowed us to take this first step toward establishing Orthodoxy in this hopeful land. Every dollar granted is managed with sincerity and fear of God, for this is His work.”
The Mission Center’s support continues to help build a sustainable foundation for the Church’s growth in Burkina Faso—ensuring that Christ’s light may shine where it has been absent for generations.
Learn how the Mission Center is helping grow new Orthodox communities across Africa and beyond
