Acholi sub-region asks pope for greater north Orthodox diocese

By Kevine Aloyo

GULU - The dean of the Orthodox Church in Acholi Sub-Region, Reverend Father Julius Orach has asked the pope of the Orthodox Church to grant them the greater north Orthodox diocese.
 
He said since the Orthodox Church came to northern Uganda in 1936, they have not had a diocese, yet the church has grown bigger.
 
Orach made the remarks during the first visit by Pope Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria in Egypt and the Pope of the Orthodox Church in Africa.

Faithufls welcome Pope Patriarch Theodoros II in Gulu during a heavy downpour. Photo by Kevine Aloyo

The visit was at St. Netarios Orthodox Church at Akonyi-bedo village, Pakwelo parish in Unyama sub- County.  
 
Orach, who is the chairperson of the Greater North Orthodox Church, said Acholi sub-region is where the Orthodox Church is rooted in Uganda after Luwero district in 1936.

He lamented that northern Uganda has only eight priests and catechists.
 
“We don’t have a bishop, have only eight priests in both Acholi and Lango sub regions. We need a diocese to get a bishop, more priests and catechists to expand the church in northern Uganda,” Orach said.
 
Orach noted that the orthodox community in Acholi sub region has also built six orthodox churches, one secondary school and three primary schools.
 
Pope Patriarch Theodoros II in response, said the matter will be reviewed as he goes back to discuss with other bishops in Egypt.