His Eminence, Bishop Seraphim (Darlington) of Lagos and Nigeria
Born in the 1970s into the esteemed royal family of Doyeni in the Ondo Kingdom, I was raised in a rich cultural and spiritual environment. My early education began at St. Paul and Patrick Primary School, followed by St. Joseph Boy’s College, where I laid the foundations for my academic journey. I later attended Don Bosco Technology College while simultaneously engaging in a three-year religious vocational program with the Salesian Fathers of Don Bosco.
As I explored my calling, I realized that my vocation was not within the Salesian community, prompting me to join the Little Brothers of Jesus monks. My pursuit of knowledge led me to Ondo State Polytechnic, where I studied Civil Engineering. After gaining experience working for several foreign companies, I chose the path of freelance engineering, yet felt an unquenchable yearning for spiritual fulfillment.
In search of deeper meaning, I joined the Nigeria Legion Army Reserve, rising to the rank of major. However, my quest for true faith took me to Cameroon, where I encountered a vagante bishop who trained and ordained me. Upon discovering a more authentic Orthodox path, I returned to Nigeria to join a better Orthodox group.
I obtained a degree in Orthodox Theology from St. Athanasius Seminary, followed by a Master's in Pastoral Counseling from the same institution. Relocating to Akure, I established a monastery and gathered four monks, creating a center for Liturgy on Sundays. Eventually, I found the True Orthodoxy and was ordained to the priesthood on December 6, 2021.
Furthering my academic pursuits, I earned a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Freedom University. My journey culminated in my elevation to the episcopacy in Turda, Romania, on November 2, marking a new chapter in my commitment to faith and service.
The Acceptance Speech
of Bishop Seraphim
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One Who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ, even as He chose us for Himself before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love having foreordained us to adoption through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace. To Him be praise and all thanks. Glory and adoration both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
To the most holy Mother the Theotokos and to all the saints whose intercession we sought during the difficult periods, and whose relics we honor during the pilgrimage and whose feast we celebrated, and all the patron saints of Romania and Bulgaria I say: Very many thanks. This is the beginning of the journey; we shall continue to seek your intercession till we meet at the resurrection.
And to our great hierarchy, the angelic Archbishop Gregory my spiritual grandfather, what can I do without you. Your love and prayers are unimaginable. Your teaching is excellent. You were never tired of correcting me, even in style, without drawing attention. I will forever be grateful to you and to the church where we serve. Many years, Vladyka.
To His most holy Eminence Vladyka John my spiritual father, and the fathers and mothers at the skete: Vladyka you are wonderful. You took me through the path of Orthodox ethics carefully with love. I need more of your words of wisdom and training. Words of mouth are not enough to thank you. I will always appreciate all your advice and encouragement. Many years, Vladyka.
To the distinguished, very reverend Father Ioan and his presbytera, the spiritual father of the Holy Cross and Holy Protection of the Mother of God parish in Turda, Romania. Many thanks for the practical training given to me, and for accepting to have the ordination done in this catacomb church. I appreciate all the faithful for all the roles they played. To the servant of God Spiridon, and the three brothers, I say: thank you to everyone, and for all the hospitality.
To the honorable, reverend Father Vasile and his presbytera of St. Basil the Great in Dragasani where I had my first Liturgy celebrated after the consecration. Very many thanks, dear father, for the hospitality. May God bless and protect you and the faithful entrusted to your care.
To the Archpriest Roman of the Dormition of the Mother of God parish in Dorostolon in Bulgaria, and Subdeacon Slavey, I appreciate you all. The Mother of God is with you. Be rest assured of our prayers. Much love in Christ.
To the indefatigable and holy reverend Father Professor Ivan and his presbytera, the spiritual shepherd of St. John the Baptist parish and Father Deacon Ivan of Bulgaria. You were never tired driving for days in Romania and Bulgaria to holy sites and the monasteries around, even when we all fell asleep due to the stress, you were awake driving. Thank you for the training given to me and for your hospitality. May the Mother of God protect you and the faithful in your care. Many thanks for the hospitality.
To all who came from Germany, Spain, and the neighboring countries to grace the episcopal ordination, despite the short notice, and all who took time off work to travel long distances: three, six, or nine hours, I appreciate you all. May the Lord remember you all in His kingdom. Your gift and messages were delivered. Very many thanks.
To the churches in Romania and all clergy I say: thank you for the gifts and your kind gesture of love. Let us keep the true Faith. Be rest assured of our prayers.
To the churches in Bulgaria and all clergy: Many thanks for your gifts. Be assured of our prayers.
I wish I could mention everyone’s name. But in order not to offend anyone I might not mention, I choose not to mention names. God knows you all. Thank you for all the gifts of alms and the like. I will not forget to commemorate you and your families in all my prayers. Accept my thanks; I really appreciate you all.
To all the clergy in Italy, Angola, Congo, and Hieromonk Theophile. I received your message, most honorable Father. To Nigeria and all Africa and to you, the beloved faithful who could not make it but were with us in spirit, I say: thank you. May the Lord God bless and protect us all.
+ Seraphim, Bishop of Lagos and Nigeria
Vicar to Africa of the synod