Ghana

A New Beginning in Burkina Faso

The history of Orthodoxy in Burkina Faso dates back to the first visit of the Orthodox Missionaries from Ivory Coast, namely Reverend Jérémie Béhanzin and his sub-deacon (now priest), Mahi Sébastien in August 2017. By the Grace of God, this visit opened the hearts of many natives to the reception of Orthodoxy, which many were already seeking. Based on this success, the Orthodox community of Burkina Faso decided to invite Father Jérémie to visit them.Fr. Jérémie, accompanied by a remarkable delegation of the Orthodox community of Ivory Coast, officially laid the foundations of the first visit to the Orthodox community of Burkina Faso, and took the first steps there on Friday, December 20, 2019. The Missionary team was received with great enthusiasm by the natives who were willing to embrace the Orthodox faith. On Sunday, December 22, after the first Divine Liturgy, the Orthodox community of Burkina Faso officially laid the foundations with the baptism of the first Indigenous Orthodox people.

This community numbers almost fifty members. On this occasion, the community council was established, headed by Coeffe Alain Roger, who is also a benefactor of this emerging community. A house located in the Benogo region is the one that accommodates the headquarters of this small community. This is also the gathering point for the believers who want to attend the Divine Liturgy, listen to the Word of God, and participate in the meals of love learning more about Orthodoxy.

However, the global coronavirus epidemic has disrupted the smooth running of this new community. Indeed, for several weeks, the Sunday Liturgies were suspended. The members of the community were confronted with the sudden and painful closure of the churches, caused not only owing to the existing financial difficulties but also by the state health regulations due to the pandemic. Some members of the community did not hesitate to use social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook in order to spread the Orthodox word throughout this confinement. This was especially appreciated, as young people daily expressed their interest in the Orthodox Faith. As a prospect for the immediate needs, the Orthodox community of Burkina Faso would thrive if it had a church building and a priest to perform the Divine Liturgy there each and every week. In addition, it could penetrate much more easily into the hearts of the population by rebuilding an Orthodox school, which could educate the Indigenous people of Burkina Faso.

My dear brethren, that is why we make once again an appeal to your love, asking for support and help in our work for the spread of Orthodoxy in this new Missionary endeavor.

Wishing in the Lord,

† Petros of Accra

From the baptism of the first Orthodox Burkinabe faithful