Orthodox Archdiocese of Nigeria

The Orthodox Archdiocese of Nigeria (Greek: Ορθόδοξη Αρχιεπισκοπή Νιγηρίας), alternatively known as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Nigeria, is an archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria in Nigeria with jurisdiction over Nigeria, Niger, Benin, and Togo. It was established in Lagos in 1997. The Metropolitan Archbishop is Alexander Gianniris.[1]

Greek Orthodox Church of Nigeria
Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Nigeria
Location
CountryNigeria
Territory
Ecclesiastical provinceGreek Orthodox Church of Alexandria
Information
DenominationGreek Orthodox
Established24 November 1997
CathedralResurrection of the Lord
Current leadership
PopeTheodore II
Metropolitan ArchbishopGeorge (Vladimirou)
Website
http://orthodoxnigeria.org/

History
(left) Russian Cross and (right) Greek Cross

In 1966, the Orthodox Archdiocese of Nigeria was established as the first Orthodox community in Nigeria by Anastasios George Leventis.[2] In the years thereafter, Leventis led construction of the first Orthodox Church, named Anastasios (Greek for “Resurrection”). On 24 November 1997, it became a diocese and was called “Resurrection of the Lord parish”.[1]

The Greek Orthodox Church Nigeria is led by the Metropolitan, Archbishop Alexander Gianniris of Nigeria, Niger, Benin, and Togo.[1] On 11 December 1998, the church became a registered entity of the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria. In 1999, the Greek community handed over the parish to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa.[1]

The church was later demolished and rebuilt in 2017.[1] On 30 June 2023, the Metropolitan, Archbishop Alexander Gianniris passed on[3] and was buried on 1 July 2023, at the Monastery of St. Porphyrios in Milesi Attica, Athens, Greece.[3] The Vicar General, Rev Fr. James Nwaba, in a statement released by the church, is to hold a memorial service in respect of the passing of the Archbishop.[4]

On Wednesday, 5 July 2023, the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II appoint Metropolitan George of Guinea as temporary vicar, to lead the Orthodox Archdiocese of Nigeria, with its jurisdiction in West Africa, including Niger, Benin, and Togo.[upper-alpha 1]

Administrative structures

Patriarch

Archbishop
  • Metropolitan George (Vladimirou) of the Archdiocese of Guinea. (acting, 2023-present)
  • Metropolitan Alexander (Gianniris) of the Archdiocese of Nigeria. (1997–2023)

See also
  • Russian Orthodox Church of Nigeria. [6]

Notes
  1. Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II, appoints Metropolitan George (Vladimirou) of Guinea as temporary vicar.[5]

References
  1. Okafor, Loveday (14 May 2017). "The new orthodox cathedral in Nigeria". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  2. Irekamba, Chris (8 May 2017). "51 years after, members celebrate new church building". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  3. "Metropolitan Alexandros of Nigeria fell asleep in the Lord". Orthodox Times EN. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  4. Salau, Gbenga (2 July 2023). "Orthodox Archdiocese of Nigeria mourns Archbishop Alexander". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  5. "Ο Πατριάρχης Αλεξανδρείας φροντίζει για το ποίμνιό του στην Νιγηρία (ΦΩΤΟ)". ROMFEA (in Greek). Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  6. "Metropolis of Nigeria: The Russian presence in the country serves specific purposes, drawn up over many decades". Orthodox Times. Retrieved 4 May 2023.

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