On Sunday, July 7, 2024, a Hierarchical Co-liturgy was performed at the Holy Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas, within the Holy Metropolis of Kampala, part of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. The Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were presided over by the Metropolitan of Polyana and Kilkis, joined by Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kampala, Metropolitan Innokentios of Sozousa, and the priests of the local Holy Metropolis.
Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Bartholomew unveiled the Gospel translated from Greek to Luganda by Fr. Nicholas Bayego, published by the Holy Metropolis of Kilkis. Fr. Nicholas completed this translation during his stay in Kilkis, with the assistance of the priests from the Holy Metropolis of Polyana and Kilkis.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Shepherd of Kampala expressed profound gratitude to the Metropolitan of Kilkis for the many contributions his Metropolis has made to the Mission. These contributions include the construction of the Church of the Holy Apostles, the drilling of water wells, the foundations of new Holy Temples, scholarships for children’s education, baptisms of young Christians, support for the Church’s soup kitchens, assistance to the two Missionary Priests (Fr. Nicholas Bayego and Fr. Christopher Mugigo), the donation of computers for the Mission’s Gymnasium, and the publication of the Gospel in the local Luganda dialect. He conveyed his joy that the Orthodox Christians of Uganda will now be able to learn the Gospel in their own language.
In his response, Metropolitan Bartholomew assured continued support for the Mission, emphasizing the importance of prayer and commitment. He pledged ongoing support for the two Missionary Priests, Fr. Nicholas and Fr. Christoforos, who work tirelessly to sustain their Orthodox ecclesiastical communities both materially and spiritually.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
