The Association of Mothers in the Orthodox Church, yesterday, Wednesday 5th March 2025, officially kicked off their 22nd Annual General meeting hosted at St. Daniel Combani Retreat Center in Namugonogo, focused on the Theme; “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” Psalms 119:105.
The Metropolitan of Kampala, His Eminence Jeronymos Muzeeyi formally opened and blessed the meeting amidst a gathering of over 70 participants each representing their respective parishes from the different dioceses of the Church in Uganda.
In his speech, the Metropolitan focused on the topic, ‘The role of an Orthodox Woman in the modern Uganda’ and noted, “Orthodox women should engage in nurturing their families through spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and participating in sacraments, while teaching their children about the faith.”
He further echoed the pivotal role of women in the Church and the country in general and commended the association for their commitment, efforts, and dedication in executing their mandate Building capacities of women for change and also applauded their development partners for the support to the association which is instrumental in the realization of their mandate.
On wishing them successful deliberations, Metropolitan Jeronymos said, “May the Most Holy Theotokos, our mother and intercessor, guide and protect you always. May the light of Christ — the true sun in our hearts — shine ever brighter, leading us all to His eternal kingdom.”
Full Speech of the Metropolitan during the Orthodox Church Mothers Uganda AGM
Introduction
When I speak of a mother, I refer to every woman aged 18 and above who, by her nature, is endowed by God to bring forth life into this world and nurture it—not only physically but spiritually as well. By modern Uganda, I refer to the Uganda we have known since independence in 1962.
Uganda, besides struggling with common African challenges such as poverty, ignorance, and disease, has been marred by violence that has characterized its political landscape since 1966. This reality has led to moral and ethical decay among its people. Our country presents itself as a religious nation, yet often falls into hypocrisy. Its motto, “For God and My Country,” and its national anthem, which prays, “Oh Uganda, may God uphold thee…” highlight our spiritual aspirations, yet these aspirations are often not lived out fully.
In this complex and sometimes hypocritical environment, you, the Orthodox mothers, have a crucial role to play—a role grounded in faith, love, and service. This role must be transformative in nature. In your mission, you have Christ, the Theotokos, all the saints—especially the spiritual mothers of our Church—and the treasures of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles to guide you.
Orthodox Faith
Central to your role as Orthodox mothers is a deep understanding of your Orthodox faith and a determination to live it out, despite the challenging conditions we have described. Uganda is marked by widespread spiritual deficiency and moral and ethical decay.
In the Old Testament, Christ is veiled, while in the New Testament, He is the Word of God—full of power to transform our lives. Our Orthodox Church, with its unique and profound theological principles and perspectives, offers invaluable resources for confronting challenges related to God, humanity, and creation.
We have a vocation of love in marriage and monasticism. In our personal lives, Bible study and the sacramental teachings of the Church nourish our prayer, spiritual growth, and development. We are creatures made in the image and likeness of God, reminding us of the call to holiness: “Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” At the same time, we acknowledge our position in creation—to bring it to God as priests in thanksgiving and glorification.
The Role of an Orthodox Mother
By our baptism, we are called by God’s grace out of the world, yet we remain in it with a mission. Every mother must remember Christ’s words: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). This becomes our driving force in shaping our conscience and addressing questions related to human rights.
Beyond this, we must view Uganda as a mission field—agents of change ready to transform it fundamentally. This includes addressing issues of poverty, tribalism, war, corruption, and conflict, always advocating for social justice, love, peace, and dialogue.
Orthodox women should engage in nurturing their families through spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and participating in sacraments, while teaching their children about the faith. They should provide loving care for their households, ensuring a Christ-centred environment. Women should live in obedience to God’s commandments, setting an example for their families and communities. They are also called to participate in community activities, promoting peace, justice, and charity, while offering comfort to those in need. Additionally, women should support the economic well-being of their families, preserve Orthodox traditions, advocate for the vulnerable, and encourage modesty. In leadership roles, they should mentor younger women, organize church and community events, and foster unity, peace, and healing through their faith and actions.
Conclusion
Transforming Uganda through Faith, Love, and Service
Orthodox mothers, like all Orthodox Christians, are called not to conform but to transform Uganda—and by extension, the world. We are to show another way of seeing, living, and acting, which I would call an Orthodox way of life.
In this way, you will become like a mustard seed, a bit of yeast, and the salt of the earth—joyful witnesses to the light of the Kingdom in modern Uganda.
May the Most Holy Theotokos, our mother and intercessor, guide and protect you always. May the light of Christ — the true sun in our hearts — shine ever brighter, leading us all to His eternal kingdom.
Pictorial of Mothers’ Participation in the AGM
