In the efforts to strengthen the unity, love in Christ, and partnerships in mission work with fellow Orthodox churches worldwide, the Uganda Orthodox Church – Holy Diocese of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, in collaboration with the Holy Metropolis of Zvornik-Tuzla, received mission friends from Serbia.
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Photios of Zvornik-Tuzla, Serbia, upon the invitation of His Grace Bishop Silvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, a team of two consisting of Fr. Jadranko Stojanović and Mr. Dragan Pandurević embarked on a six-day trip to Uganda with the purpose of carrying out a preliminary visit to the Diocese in order to identify potential possibilities of partnership for the glory of our Lord and Orthodoxy in general.
Visit to the Mission in Mukongoro in Jinja Diocese, Eastern Uganda
Identified as one of the centers to have the first permanent Orthodox church structure in the Kuumi district, Mukongoro village, the home of the Panagia Paramythia Orthodox Temple, is also regarded as the center where the first converts to the Orthodox Faith in the region originated.
However, this place is faced with enormous challenges ranging from poor water supply, the need to renovate the Panagia Paramythia Temple of worship, education support for the children, among others.
Therefore, on Wednesday, June 18, His Grace Bishop Silvester, accompanied by mission guests, in Mukongoro. The delegation was warmly received at Panagia Paramythia Church by the Parish Priest, Fr. Philomenos Ochom.
Following the warm welcome, the visitors were given a tour of the church and the school premises, where they observed the ongoing developments and improvements taking place within the community.
The pupils of St. Catherine School joyfully welcomed the guests with songs and performances and the visitors graciously distributed gifts to both the pupils and teachers in appreciation of their warm reception and promised to make every effort possible to support their continued education and service.
Celebrating Feast of St. Jude Thaddeus with Mission Team from Serbia
On Thursday, June 19, the feast of St. Jude Thaddeus, a temple dedicated to the saint located in Kagulu, Namutumba District, joyfully celebrated its patronal feast in a divine liturgy and the Artoklasia service.
The Liturgy was led by His Grace Bishop Silvester and joined in the eucharistic assembly by Fr. Chrysostomos Koolya, the Vicar General, and guest priest Fr. Jadranko Stojanovic, with assistance from Hierodeacon Mateja from Serbia.
The celebration was graced by the presence of many local leaders and dignitaries, who joined the parishioners in prayer and festivity. Following the Divine Services, the visiting mission team, led by Fr. Jadranko, toured the local area.
Prior to this inaugural visit to Uganda, the mission friends from Serbia were commended for their previous support in the construction of classrooms for the parish primary school and the installation of a borehole, both of which have greatly benefited the community.
The pupils of the school offered heartfelt entertainment through poems and songs, bringing joy to all in attendance. In the spirit of the feast, gifts were generously distributed to the children.
The visiting team is expected to depart for Serbia on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Thank you so much