Until 1952, the Russian community in South Africa did not have its own church. The situation changed with the arrival of Archpriest Simeon Starikov, when, by the blessing of the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, a parish was established in honor of Saint Prince Vladimir, the baptizer of Rus. Initially, services were held in an Anglican church in Johannesburg, then in a Protestant church. After a few years, the community rented a small house in the center of Johannesburg, where a home church was arranged. In 1958, Father Simeon was succeeded by Archimandrite Alexiy Cherny, who facilitated the creation of a library and Sunday school for the Russian community.

Archpriest Daniil Lugovoy recalled that in the early 70s, the number of parishioners began to decline. New immigrants were not arriving in South Africa, and those who already lived there were elderly, ill, or passing away. As a result, the parish of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir ceased to exist. Nevertheless, Orthodox and Russian-speaking people remained in the region. The church was envisioned as a place for Russians to communicate, pass on cultural traditions to children, and celebrate various events. This is one of the functions of any overseas church.

The Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Johannesburg gathers not only people from Russia and former Soviet republics, but also the local population shows significant interest in the Orthodox faith.