Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria Arrives in Uganda for Pastoral Visit

By Anastasios Gordon Sekandi – updated at 23:40 EAT Tuesday 18 February 2025

H.E Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch and Pope of Alexandria and All Africa at State House Entebbe. *📷Anastasios Gordon Sekandi*

Entebbe, Uganda – His Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch and Pope of Alexandria and All Africa, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday evening to a warm reception at the VIP Lounge. Welcoming him were Hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Church of Uganda, led by Metropolitan Jeronimos Mzee, alongside dignitaries including the Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda and Hon. Theodoros Ssekikubo, a member of the Ugandan Parliament. Many Orthodox Christians also gathered to greet the esteemed church leader.

Third from the left, His Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch and Pope of Alexandria and All Africa, stands at Entebbe International Airport alongside the Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda (fourth from the left) and Hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Church of Uganda. *📷Anastasios Gordon Sekandi*

Speaking to HICGI, the Patriarch expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality, saying, “I’m so grateful to be back in Uganda. I love this country and her people. I thank the government for the peace and prosperity they bring to all citizens and the church.”

Following his arrival, the Patriarch proceeded to State House in Entebbe, where he met with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Their discussions centered on the importance of love and unity, with the Patriarch emphasizing biblical teachings on loving one another. President Museveni praised the Orthodox Church for its continued support of Ugandan communities and its role in fostering harmony.

From left to right: His Grace Silvestros Kisitu, Bishop of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, alongside His Eminence Innocentious Byakatonda, former Archbishop of Rwanda and Burundi, at State House Entebbe. 📷*Anastasios Gordon Sekandi*

The Patriarch’s three-day pastoral visit includes key stops across Uganda. On Wednesday, February 19, he will visit the Rwemiyaga Orthodox community before heading to the Holy Diocese of Gulu and Northern Uganda. There, he will be welcomed by Bishop Nectarios Kabuye and lay the foundation stone for the proposed Cathedral of St. Catherine. His journey will conclude in the Holy Diocese of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, where Bishop Silvestros Kisitu will guide him through the ongoing missionary work in the region.

This significant visit highlights the enduring bond between the Greek Orthodox Church and Uganda, reinforcing faith, community service, and spiritual leadership.