In October of 2024, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center established connections within the newly-formed Diocese of Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso in West Africa. During this inaugural visit, Mission Center Grants Director, Santhe Loizos, met with His Grace Bishop Athanasios – the first bishop of the Diocese – to offer support and explore opportunities for future collaboration. This meeting marked the beginning of a promising relationship, opening new pathways for expanding the Church and sharing the Gospel in a largely non-Christian region with great potential for growth.

In both Togo and Benin, the local communities expressed excitement for Bishop Athanasios’ leadership and warmly welcomed the Mission Center team. The visit included significant liturgical events, such as a service at the Cathedral of St. Katherine in Porto-Novo, which further ignited local enthusiasm.

The trip concluded with a significant milestone for the emerging diocese: a Mission Center grant for $72,800 that will help to support its development in 2025. Reflecting on the experience, Santhe emphasized the importance of the visit in building strong relationships with the local Orthodox community and expanding the Church’s reach in areas eager to learn about the Gospel. This effort is a strategic step in continuing to spread faith and engagement across new regions.