On Sunday, July 7, 2024, a Hierarchical Co-liturgy took place at the Holy Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas, located in the Holy Metropolis of Kampala, which is part of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. The Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were led by the Metropolitan of Polyana and Kilkis, along with Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kampala, Metropolitan Innokentios of Sozousa, and the local priests of the Holy Metropolis.
Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Bartholomew presented the Gospel translated from Greek to Luganda by Fr. Nicholas Bayego, and published by the Holy Metropolis of Kilkis. Fr. Nicholas worked on this translation during his time in Kilkis, with the help of priests from the Holy Metropolis of Polyana and Kilkis.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Shepherd of Kampala expressed deep gratitude to the Metropolitan of Kilkis for the various contributions made to the Mission. These contributions include the construction of the Church of the Holy Apostles, drilling of water wells, establishment 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), donation of computers for the Mission’s Gymnasium, and the publication of the Gospel in the local Luganda dialect. He expressed joy that Orthodox Christians in Uganda can now access the Gospel in their own language.
In response, Metropolitan Bartholomew promised continued support for the Mission, highlighting the importance of prayer and dedication. He pledged ongoing assistance for the two Missionary Priests, Fr. Nicholas and Fr. Christoforos, who work tirelessly to support their Orthodox ecclesiastical communities both spiritually and materially.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
