Gilbert Rateloson Rakotondravelo

Gilbert Rateloson Rakotondravelo is a Malagasy Anglican bishop and church leader. He was elected and installed as the founding bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, within the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean in 2003. In 2018, he oversaw the completion of St. Mark's Cathedral in Fianarantsoa. In 2024, he was elected as the archbishop and primate of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, succeeding James Wong.^[1][2]

The Most Reverend Gilbert Rateloson Rakotondravelo
Archbishop and Primate of the Province of the Indian Ocean Bishop of Fianarantsoa
Church	Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean
Diocese	Fianarantsoa
In office	Since 2024
Predecessor	James Wong
Orders
Consecration	2003

Early life and education

Rakotondravelo was born in Madagascar and was raised in the Anglican faith. He pursued theological education and pastoral training before being ordained as a priest. His ministry was marked by a commitment to church growth and community service, leading to his election as the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Fianarantsoa in 2003.^[3]

Episcopal ministry

Bishop of Fianarantsoa

Rakotondravelo was elected the first bishop of the Diocese of Fianarantsoa in 2003, following the diocese’s creation within the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean. Under his leadership, the diocese expanded its missionary activities, established several parishes, and built St. Mark’s Cathedral, which was completed in 2018.^[4]

Archbishop and primate

In December 2024, Rakotondravelo was elected as the seventh archbishop and primate of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, succeeding Archbishop James Wong. His election marked a new phase for the province, as he pledged to focus on evangelism, social justice, and strengthening Anglican unity in the region.^[2]

Contributions and leadership

Rakotondravelo has been actively involved in interfaith dialogue and ecumenical initiatives, fostering cooperation between different Christian denominations and religious groups in Madagascar. He has also championed initiatives in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation within the communities served by the Anglican Church.^[5]