Establishment of the Diocese
On 1 November 2006, following the decision of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Mozambique was elevated to the status of an independent diocese, having previously been under the Archdiocese of Zimbabwe. The first Bishop of Mozambique was Theodoros Dimitriou of Crete, who was enthroned at the Cathedral of the Archangels in Maputo on 28 January 2007.
This marked a historic step in the development of Orthodoxy in Mozambique, ensuring pastoral attention and growth for the faithful of the region.
Holy Churches
- Cathedral of the Archangels (Maputo) – Dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Mozambique and the spiritual centre of the Orthodox community in the capital.
- Holy Trinity Church (Beira) – Built in 1909, this historic complex includes a church, presbytery, assembly hall, and school facilities. It was restored under the supervision of then-Metropolitan of Zimbabwe (now Patriarch of Alexandria), Theodoros II, with financial support from the Hellenic Parliament.
Community and Associations
The Orthodox community in Mozambique is supported by a long-standing Hellenic presence, particularly in Maputo. The Hellenic Community of Maputo, with its Greek school, continues to preserve language, culture, and faith among new generations. Women’s associations and charitable societies, some dating back to the early 20th century, play an active role in parish and social life.
The Greek Philanthropic Association of Maputo, founded in 1928, remains an important contributor to the welfare of the community, while cultural and educational initiatives strengthen ties between faith and heritage.
Mission and Outlook
With its historic churches in Maputo and Beira, the Orthodox Church in Mozambique combines spiritual care with cultural preservation and social outreach. The creation of a local diocese in 2006 highlighted the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s commitment to nurturing Orthodoxy in Southern Africa.
Today, the Church continues to provide worship, catechesis, and education, ensuring that Orthodoxy in Mozambique remains both a guardian of tradition and a beacon of hope for the future.