Lwanga reopens Orthodox Church in Mityana, ordains a priest

RELIGION

Archbishop Yonah Lwanga of the Orthodox Church has officially opened St. Gregory Kireku Church in Mityana. The church was rebuilt after vandals destroyed it recently.

Early this month, the church was attacked by unidentified people,  who broke its doors and windows and attempted to burn it down.

Within a few weeks,  however, the faithful have renovated it, thus the grand opening on Sunday.

"I will not say anything about the people who attacked this house of God because they did not know what they were doing," Archbishop Lwanga said.

 
The sanctification of the church lasted over two hours as the clergy held a number of rituals around the altar and outside the building.

Lwanga, who was supported by Gulu and Eastern Uganda bishop Sylvester Kisitu and a number of priests, first went around the church blessing it and later gathered at the altar, and cleansed it.

While explaining the ceremonies held around the altar, Lwanga said they were intended to cleanse it so that it serves the purpose.

"Like when you get baptized, we also have to cleanse this altar," he said.

 
During the event, Lwanga also ordained Deacon George Kaleebu.

He asked the priest to diligently serve the church with determination and faithfulness.

Lwanga also announced transfers among the priests in Mityana, where the newly ordained Fr Kaleebu takes over at St Gregory Kireku.