Martha Kehagias
Archbishop Makarios of Nairobi, Exarch of All Eastern Africa, marked his 80th birthday on April 18 with a deeply personal message reflecting on a life devoted to spiritual service, missionary work, and love for Africa, the continent he now calls home.
Born in Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios first came to Kenya in 1977 following his graduation from Oxford University, sent to assist with the opening of an Orthodox Seminary constructed by the late Archbishop Makarios III of Cyprus. Though still a layman at the time, his heart was immediately stirred. “A longing to stay and serve, a desire to know the people of the land,” he wrote in a message posted to Facebook. That stirring, he would later realize, was the beginning of a lifelong mission.
“I returned in 1982 after my post-grad in Belgium, carrying with me the first ten icons for the newly completed Chapel of Saint Makarios,” he recalled, adding that he watched “with awe” as the Seminary welcomed its first class, many of whom would go on to become bishops, priests, and missionaries across Africa.
More than half of his life, 48 years, has been spent in Africa. But his connection to the continent runs deeper than time alone. “From the very beginning, I accepted Africa-not just as a location for work, but as my own people, my own culture, my family,” he said.
The Archbishop credits his spiritual father, now Saint Sophrony of Essex, with foreseeing his path during a final confession decades ago: “Go to Africa. You will become an Archbishop. Do not refuse God’s will.” At the time, he wasn’t even ordained. But when he landed in Kenya, the prophecy began to make sense.
His birthday, falling just before Orthodox Easter and coinciding this year with Holy Friday, lent special meaning to his reflections, a time when the Church pauses between death and resurrection, between the tomb and the light. Archbishop Makarios, whose life has been marked by quiet sacrifice, perseverance through trials, and unwavering service, offered a reflection deeply resonant with this holy day.
“Love and forgiveness became my weapons,” he wrote. “I didn’t act based on culture, tradition, or personal judgment. I chose to love. I chose to forgive. And in doing so, I discovered the greatest joy: that true peace comes from a heart that holds no grudges.”
Despite facing hardships and years away from his extended family in Cyprus, he embraced his calling with joy. “I removed from my heart any attachment to Europe. I never went back looking for comfort,” he said. “My joy is not from this world, it is from Christ, who gave me this life, this calling, and this family.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Africa for embracing him, to the clergy who have stood by him, and to God for every soul he has encountered. “I thank and adore Africa for receiving me, for shaping me, and for becoming my life,” he said.
As Christians proclaim “Christ is Risen,” Archbishop Makarios’ words serve as a reminder that resurrection is not only an event, but a way of life. One forged in humility, sustained by mercy, and fulfilled in love.
The full message, Message on the Occasion of My 80th Birthday, 18 April, is available on Archbishop Makarios’ official Facebook page.
