Cathedral of Saint Mark Consecrated in Kenya With U.S. Delegation Present
Landmark event draws Orthodox faithful from the U.S. who had helped pray for and fund the project, strengthening global ties.
ELDORET — On Sunday, June 29, 2025, the newly constructed Cathedral of Saint Mark was officially consecrated in Kapsabet, Nandi County, marking a historic milestone for the Orthodox Church in Kenya. The consecration took place on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul and drew Orthodox hierarchs from across East Africa, along with His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
According to the Orthodox Observer, 21 faithful parishioners of Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida, went on the trip with Metropolitan Sevastianos, parish priest Fr. Mark Leondis, and Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Development Director Dan Christopulos.
The cathedral, located in the Holy Diocese of Eldoret and Northern Kenya, was built with significant support from the Florida parish. His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret led the consecration service and praised the day as “a great blessing,” highlighting its significance for both the local faithful and the broader mission of the Orthodox Church in Africa.
Nearly 2,000 were gathered for the consecration services, and visits were also made to the local seminary, primary school, and dormitories. Mission work was also done, with trips to several schools where supplies were donated and meals for more than 800 children were sponsored.
In a Facebook post, Bishop Neofitos said of the consecration:
“And we all sealed it by the signature of our humble and unworthy hands, not because we were powerful, but because we were humbled. And now, this holy table is ready for services. All sacraments will be conducted on this holy table, and it shall be a blessing to all!”
Bishop Neofitos signs the antimension as Metropolitan Sevastianos (at left) watches on. Photo: orthodoxiapost.com
In his address, he also thanked Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta and the visiting American delegation for their support and enduring partnership in Orthodox mission work across the continent.
While reflecting on the trip, Fr. Mark Leondis, parish priest of Saint Mark in Boca Raton, was quoted by the Orthodox Observer as saying:
“This journey reminded us that the Church is truly one – across oceans, cultures and languages. We were humbled and blessed to walk with our brothers and sisters in Kenya.”
At the consecration itself, Fr. Mark said that, although the group from the U.S. is normally 12,752 kilometers away from home, they are all united through the Chalice.
“Together,” he said, “we are the Saint Mark family. This is not the end of our relationship, but the beginning of a lifelong connection in Christ.”
Fr. Mark Leondis. Photo: St. Mark Church
Among the attending hierarchs were Archbishop Makarios of Nairobi, Metropolitan Jeronymos of Kampala, Bishop Silvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, and Bishop Nektarios of Gulu and Northern Uganda, as well as 50 clergymen.
Bishop Neofitos concluded by giving thanks to God and all supporters of the diocese, stating that history had been made in the Diocese of Eldoret and in the Orthodox Church in Kenya.
