DNK International By Our Correspondent,Nairobi
Born on April 18, 1945, in Limassol, Cyprus, Makarios Tillyrides has grown into one of the most influential religious figures in East Africa.
He has dedicated nearly five decades to expanding the Orthodox Church in Kenya and beyond.
Now about 80 years old, the Archbishop’s journey reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, missionary zeal, and cultural integration that has left a lasting mark on the region’s spiritual landscape.
His academic foundation was laid in Europe, where he studied theology at the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris between 1968 and 1972, while also attending the prestigious Sorbonne and College de France.
He later pursued a doctorate in Church History at the University of Oxford, graduating in 1976, before furthering his studies in Belgium.
This strong theological and academic background would later shape his approach to missionary work grounded in scholarship but deeply connected to local realities.
Makarios first arrived in Kenya in 1977, sent by Makarios III with the mission of establishing a theological seminary in Nairobi.
What began as a short term assignment soon became a lifelong calling.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks of the Orthodox Church, eventually being enthroned as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2001, a position that placed him at the helm of Orthodox missions across East Africa.
Fluent in multiple languages including Greek, English, French, Russian, and Italian, as well as several African dialects like Kiswahili,Kikuyu,Kalenjin,Luyia and Kamba,Archbishop Makarios has used language as a bridge to connect with diverse communities.
His missionary work has taken him across numerous African countries, where he has preached, mentored clergy, and strengthened Orthodox institutions, even though the exact number of countries he has served in remains undocumented.
Under his leadership, the Orthodox Church in Kenya has experienced remarkable growth.
He has overseen the establishment of churches, schools, and seminaries, while also championing the ordination of indigenous clergy to ensure sustainability of the faith locally.
His efforts have not only strengthened the church’s presence but also positioned it as a key player in education and social outreach.
His relationship with the Kenyan government has remained cordial across different administrations, often participating in national events,sitting at the main dais among other key religious leaders and fostering collaboration between religious institutions and the state.
This visibility has occasionally placed him at the center of notable public moments, including officiating the wedding of the late Fidel Odinga, an event attended by Fidel’s father the late Raila Odinga along the Church facility along Valley road in mid 2000’s.
The event reflected his close ties with prominent national figures.
In another dramatic incident during a national holiday celebration at Nyayo National Stadium, an activist identified as Fredrick Odhiambo who for many years has been missing in public limelight nearly fell onto the Archbishop in the presence of the late President Mwai Kibaki, briefly drawing public attention but underscoring the Archbishop’s frequent presence at key national functions.
The activist who had taken a strategic position at the main dais was protesting against sky rocketing prices of commodities during Kibaki regime.
Despite these high profile moments, Archbishop Makarios remains deeply rooted in his spiritual calling.
His teachings consistently emphasize humility, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love,principles drawn from the Bible that he has championed throughout his ministry.
Among his memorable remarks is his reflection that true peace comes from letting go of anger and embracing forgiveness, a message that has resonated widely among his followers.
Today, Archbishop Makarios stands as a symbol of enduring faith and cross cultural unity, a Cypruss by birth but unmistakably Kenyan in mission, whose legacy continues to shape the Orthodox Church and inspire generations across Africa.
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🗓️ [DNK-International@April
5,2026]
