His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop +Mark
Primate VII · President of the Holy Synod · Metropolitan Archbishop of the Genuine Orthodox Church Metropolia
His Beatitude Metropolitan Archbishop +Mark was born in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria, to the family of Prince Simeon Michael Akinnugba Doyeni of the Foyi ruling house of the Ondo Kingdom. A direct lineage with Oba Tewogboye II who reigned as the 41st Osemawe of Ondo from 1942 to 1974
Formation and spiritual journey
He attended St. Paul’s RCM and St. Joseph College in Ondo. In 1996 he entered formation with the De La Salle Brothers of the Christian Schools, studying Scripture, Church history, spirituality, counseling, and pastoral formation. His journey led through Western and Oriental Christian traditions toward the Eastern Orthodox faith and the patristic calendar.
His spiritual life has been shaped by the Beatitudes, the ascetic witness of Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Pachomius, the teaching of Saint John Chrysostom, and the witness of Saint Matthew the New Confessor. He has emphasized prayer, patristic teaching, monastic renewal, and care for those on the margins.
Ordination and episcopal ministry
He was ordained to the diaconate on January 27, 2010, and to the priesthood on January 29, 2010, in Yaoundé, Cameroun. In 2011 he was elevated as Exarch of Africa and consecrated Metropolitan Bishop of Lagos, later receiving archiepiscopal responsibility in Africa.
In 2017 he made a True Orthodoxy Declaration of Faith and led clergy and missions into the Genuine Orthodox witness while repudiating ecumenism. In 2023, following the repose of Metropolitan Stephen, he was elected and enthroned in the American primatial succession. He now serves as Primate VII and President of the Holy Synod.
Pastoral vision
Metropolitan Archbishop +Mark’s ecclesiastical leadership centers on guarding the ancient faith, strengthening monastic and parish life, forming clergy, advancing missionary work, and joining spiritual care with practical mercy. Under his presidency, the Holy Synod brings together autonomous jurisdictions in America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.