Metropolitan John of Zambia and Mozambique met with the Ambassador of France in Lusaka, Thomas Rossignol on Monday, July 29, 2024.
The Orthodox Church leader in Zambia expressed gratitude to the French diplomat for the support during the Olympic education program held in Zambia last month.
The Ambassador appreciated the Church’s initiative to promote the Olympic spirit in Zambia and promised continued support for such intercultural events.
During the meeting, the Metropolitan conveyed Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa’s dissatisfaction with the parody of the Last Supper at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Metropolitan criticized the ceremony for not aligning with the values of Olympism, highlighting the importance of beauty, kindness, frugality, and respect for others.
He emphasized the need to uphold Christian values of love, freedom, and repentance amidst a culture that undermines sanctity and religious freedom.
