大象传媒

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鈥檚 move was in response to Alexandria鈥檚 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鈥檚 crusade for hearts and minds will succeed.

Producers: Mike Lanchin and Michael Kaloki
Editor: Kristine Pommert
A CTVC production for 大象传媒 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)