POPE THEODOROS II CONSECRATES ORTHODOX CHURCH IN OMORO DISTRICT

Saint Catherine Greek orthodox Temple in Omoro district that was consecrated by the Pope Theodoros II. Photo by Lakica Brandy Hope.

By Lakica Brandy Hope

Gulu City

The Pope of the Orthodox Church and Patriarch of All Africa, His Beatitude Theodoros II in his historical visit to Omoro district on Thursday  February 20, 2025 consecrated Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox church located in Acholi Nyek village idure parish, lakwaya sub county.

His Beatitude Theodoros II who led the divine liturgy and consecration of the church called upon His Grace Bishop Nectarios Kabuye to strengthen his bond with the parishioners as he affectionally called him   a  ”lion,” a man of Strong faith.

Pope Theodoros II Arrives at Acholi Nyek village Idure parish,
Lakwaya subcounty, Omoro district. Photo by Lakica Brandy Hope.

Micheal Labok Olal head of the laity at Acholi Nyek Parish expressed joy about the Pope’s visit saying, it is a blessing to the community and local leadership. “We are well prepared and celebrating as we receive our Holy father, in the Orthodox tradition, if the church is not consecrated u cannot carry out ordination of a priest in the Orthodox church but deacons can be ordained anywhere, so this one will be a permanent memory that the Pope consecrated the church so as to ordain more priests in the Orthodox church.” Olal said.
 
Father Sinon Menya, the parish priest of Saint Catherine Orthodox church shared how the church started under a mango tree until they built a temporary church.
 
“We are so proud about this beautiful church named Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox in this area, the church will transform lives, heal people physically and physiologically. I am happy for the holy sacrament, for it will allow hosting of holy ordinations,” Father Menya said.
 
Fr. George Lakony, the Dean of Acholi subregion and Northern Uganda in the Orthodox Church said the Divine Liturgy involved blessing the altar with oil and placing the relic of Saint Catharine on the altar and consecrating the church and finally writing a Greek phrase at the front door step of the church saying “Jesus is the ALPHA and OMEGA.”

His Beatitude Pope Theodoro II with Bishop Efmemios and other Christians  
during the consecration of St Catherine Greek Orthodox church in Omoro District.
Photo by Lakica Brandy Hope.

The Pope’s apostolic visit to Uganda in Omoro district was his first historical visit in the land where he inspected the mission work at Akonyibedo and also laid a foundation stone for the construction of Diocese’s Administration block at St. Lavrentios Orthodox Cathedral in Gulu city.
 
 

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