On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 18, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, arrived in Uganda for a three-day pastoral visit.
At Entebbe Airport, the Patriarch was welcomed on behalf of the country’s President by the Chief of Protocol of the Presidency, the Egyptian Ambassador Mr. Monzer Selim, Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kampala, Metropolitan Innokentios of Sozousa, Bishops Silvestros of Jinja and Nektarios of Gulu, the Abbess of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine Thavoria, clergy of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, and Orthodox Members of Parliament Theodoros Ssekikubo and Eleni Nakimuli.
At the exit of the VIP lounge, the Patriarch received a warm reception from the clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Kampala, the nuns of the Holy Monastery of Saint John, the band of Orthodox Scouts, a large crowd of faithful, and local media. In brief statements, he expressed his joy that God had once again guided his steps to Uganda—the first country he visited as Patriarch twenty years ago.
Immediately afterward, the Patriarch and his entourage proceeded to the Presidential Palace, where he was warmly welcomed on the steps by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Vice President Jessica Alupo. In the VIP hall, the Patriarch introduced the members of his large delegation to the President and thanked him for the touching and exemplary welcome as well as the hospitality, as he was in Uganda as the President’s guest.
President Museveni welcomed the Alexandrian Primate to his peaceful and Christian nation and spoke about the vital presence of Christians in Africa, emphasizing that everyone should be a Good Samaritan, spreading love to the world, just as Christ did and as His disciples continue to do daily. He condemned all forms of terrorism, anti-Christian movements, religious fanaticism, and those who commit crimes in the name of God. The President also asked the Patriarch to brief him on the state of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, Egypt, and globally. Addressing the Ugandan bishops, he urged them to continue their missionary and charitable work and assured them that they should never hesitate to knock on his door for any challenges they face. Finally, he requested the Patriarch to pray for the peace and prosperity of his country and for the entire world, stating, “Today, the world needs God more than ever.”
Deeply moved by the President’s humility and profound Christian spirit, the Patriarch thanked him for his efforts to keep his nation united and peaceful, leading it toward prosperity and development. He also praised the President’s crucial role in uniting African countries, recognizing his vast experience, wisdom, kindness, love, and foresight—qualities essential for a nation’s leader. As a token of appreciation, the Patriarch presented him with a replica of the icon of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Agarathos, commemorating his 20th anniversary on the Patriarchal Throne. The President accepted the gift with joy and reverence, considering it a great blessing for himself, his family, his associates, and his people.
The President and Vice President, visibly moved, escorted the Patriarch to the steps of the Presidential Palace, bidding him farewell and remaining there until his entire delegation had departed.
That evening, the Patriarch attended a dinner held in his honor by the Egyptian Ambassador.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
