Orthodox Pope consecrates church built at LRA former Base

By Christopher Nyeko

OMORO - Pope and patriarch of Alexandria of all Africa, His Beatitude Theodoros II,  on February 20, 2025, afternoon arrived in Omoro district to perform the sacred rite for the Orthodox Church dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Located at Acholi-Nyek village within the Idure parish of Lakwaya sub-county, the church now stands on ground that served as a tactical base for the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group from 2002 to 2005, according to parish priest  Simon Menya of St Catherine.

Upon his arrival at 12:30pm, the Pope was greeted by a Bwola-royal dance performed by the Patongo dance troop.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as bishops and priests immediately surrounded him, donning with traditional Orthodox vestments.

Standing approximately 70 meters away from the church, the Pope commanded every member of the faithful to make way, signalling the beginning of the liturgical rites governed by Orthodox tradition.

The congregation, visibly stirred, cheered passionately, waving paper cards adorned with the colours of the Ugandan flag on one side and the emblem of the Orthodox Church on the other.

Some worshippers were eager to touch the Pope's garments, seeking blessings for healing and fortune.

As the Pope approached the church's entrance with his shepherd's crook, a revered relic of St Catherine shrouded in crimson cloth was ceremoniously placed before him.

With reverence, he lifted the relic and carried it inside the sacred space.

Inside the beautifully adorned church, he was welcomed by a table displaying an elegant black garment, which he removed to don a pristine white garment—a symbol of his role in celebrating the Divine Liturgy.

He began the ritual by blessing the altar with holy olive oil and gently placing the relic of St. Catherine within the altar's sanctum, thus consecrating the space for prayer and worship.

Following the ecclesiastical rites, the Pope, accompanied by bishops, clergy, and devout followers, encircled the church, their voices raised in joyous hymns and melodies.

Reaching the western door, the group began a rhythmic knocking on the closed entrance, while everyone except one bishop was asked to exit.

The remaining bishop inside engaged in a Greek dialogue of questions and responses that lasted about five minutes, symbolising the church's newfound openness to all.

The Pope inscribed the church's doorposts with a Greek phrase meaning "Jesus is the beginning and the end," emphasizing the church's mission.

After concluding the Divine Liturgy, he paraded through the congregation in his white garment, generously distributing pieces of this vestment to select individuals, while others eagerly clutched at garments tossed into the crowd—a gesture of love and connection.

Dressed in another garment adorned with a green holy cross, he took a seat facing the bishops, surrounded by priests who captured the moment with photographs as children joyfully rushed to embrace him.

He extended blessings over the land where the church now stands, a symbolic act marked by the blowing of incense smoke using a thurible.

Theodoros extolled Bishop Nictorious Kabuye of Gulu Diocese, affectionately calling him a "lion."

He proclaimed Bishop Kabuye as a steadfast leader of faith across the African continent and encouraged priests to nurture their relationships with parishioners, fostering a sense of community and support.

The Pope expressed his personal connection to Gulu, proclaiming plans to establish a large religious centre in Acholi.

This newly consecrated church, a significant investment with a capacity of 450, was made possible through generous donations from well-wishers.

After the Pope’s blessing, the church is now equipped to serve essential ordination purposes for both deacons and priests.

St. Catherine Church (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)

A changed place

Michael Labok Olal, the head of laity at Acholi Nyek parish, reflected on the challenges facing the area as a consequence of the LRA war.

He emphasized that the church's presence will be a beacon of hope, aiding those grappling with trauma while also providing educational and health services through the newly established school.

Bishop Nictorious Kabuye, covering a vast area that includes West Nile, Lango, Karamoja, and Acholi, remarked on the profound impact of the Pope's acknowledgement as a lion.

He shared that upon his ordination, they embarked on numerous initiatives, including constructing churches and establishing schools and mission centers with the aid of compassionate benefactors.

He noted lingering challenges due to the absence of a solid grassroots structure, which hampers the effective execution of church projects, illustrating the ongoing journey of rebuilding and healing in the region.

Theodore Ssekiwubo, head of the laity and chairperson of the Uganda Orthodox Church, speaks passionately about the Pope's message, which resonates with themes of love, unity, and the steadfast promotion of social justice among the community.

“His message is rooted in the principles of non-discrimination and the importance of cherishing one another,” he emphasizes.

Ssekiwubo also highlighted the challenges the Church has faced in gaining acceptance, noting that significant efforts are being directed toward helping people understand and embrace the rich teachings of Orthodox doctrine.

This is not the first time Theodoros II has graced Uganda with his presence, particularly in the Acholi region.

In a memorable visit in 2021, he promised the establishment of a technical school in the village of Akinyibedo Gulu.

Currently, the construction of this much-anticipated school is underway, and he is expected to visit both Akinyibedo and the magnificent St Levierntos Cathedral in Koro-Rom, where development projects are progressing in tandem.

As part of his pastoral journey, the Pope is set to depart from Gulu this Friday, continuing his mission to spread goodwill and spirituality as he ventures towards Jinja and Eastern Uganda, wrapping up what promises to be a transformative visit to the country.