A new Orthodox Community in Bugiri Municipality was inaugurated on Saturday 4 January 2024 with a celebration of mass baptism. 17 adult and young catechumens (now converts) received the washing of regeneration. The triple-immersion service was co-performed by Fr. Chrysostomos Koolya and Fr. Moses Gubi. As the tradition is, this was immediately followed by the mystery of Chrismation for the newly baptized to receive the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. The newly illumined, led by Richard Buyinza have been on a catechetical program by Fr. Moses for quite a long time.
After the Mystery of Chrismation, Fr. Chrysostomos delivered a catechetical sermon in which he emphasized the need for the new converts to expand their community. “You now carry the beacon of truth and are urged to use it to enlighten the whole town of Bugiri and expand the community,” he said. “By following Jesus Christ, you are expected to walk in the straight path by standing against darkness,” the Vicar General added. He concluded by expounding about the rest of the sacraments in the Orthodox Church and conveying greetings from His Grace Bishop Silvester.
Fr. Moses Gubi, who takes pastoral care of the community, assured them that they will be gathering every Sunday and feast days. “The Orthodox Church has officially started in Bugiri Municipality,” he said. The Parish Priest of Holy Resurrection Namayingo concluded by asking the non-Orthodox who were present to come again next time and get an experience of the Orthodox Liturgy.
Mr. Buyinza Richard, the head of the family where the celebrations were held, expressed thankfulness and joy. “This day will always be remembered for the start of Orthodox mission in the area. Today, Bugiri has been illumined,” he said. He further asked the Vicar General to send them a catechist to impart the Orthodox Christian behavior into the community.
The names of the the first converts of Bugiri Orthodox Community:
- Richard Buyinza, the spearhead of the mission in the area (52 years)
- Faith Namatende Buyinza (20 years)
- Esther Babirye (16 years)
- Patricia Kaudha (16 years, twin sister to Esther Babirye)
- Leonidas Kaamu (20 years)
- Reuben Ntalo (17 years)
- Moses Lugudi (18 years)
- Timothy Edward Batambuze (21 years)
- Sophia Nyakecho (27 years)
- Barbara Babirye (12 years)
- Constantine Kadaali (12)
- Esther Matama (18 years)
- Faith Namatende (1 year)
- Moses Buyinza (33)
- Irene Mudondo (50 years)
- Spyridon Buyinza Jayden (3 years)
- Elijah Buyinza (5 years).
Groly to God for all this sheep to put on Christ Alleluia.now papa Anastasia is at peace thank you Your eminence , fathers and all of you there for the good work of God
May God bless the hands of the priest who spearheaded the converting of these people into the Orthodox teaching
#original#true teaching # Amen