By Nasser Kayanja
KAMPALA — The Presiding Bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC), Jacinto Kibuuka, has ordained four clergy and challenged them to serve God and the faithful with humility, discipline and compassion.
The newly ordained clergy are Rev. Fr. Ongola Gerald and Rev. Fr. Kamuti Benedict, who were ordained priests, while Deacon Simon Peter Mukasa Balikuddembe and Deacon Asiimire Aloysius were ordained deacons.
The ordination was conducted at Mamre International Prayer Centre in Namugongo Janda during a service presided over by Bishop Kibuuka.
In his homily, Bishop Kibuuka reminded the newly ordained clergy that priesthood is a calling to serve rather than seek personal benefit.
He said the ministry demands prayer, commitment, sacrifice and self-denial, urging the clergy to put the interests of the people they serve above their own.
“You are called to proclaim liberty to the captives and to be a bridge between God and the people,” Bishop Kibuuka said.
He urged the new clergy to love and serve people regardless of their social or economic status, saying priests should extend the same care to the poor, sick, suffering and wealthy.
Bishop Kibuuka also warned the clergy against exploiting believers, calling on them to exercise self-control and maintain integrity in their ministry.
He urged them to cultivate patience, kindness and compassion, saying a priest should have a gentle and tender heart when dealing with the faithful.
Bishop comforts Tooro
During the service, Bishop Kibuuka also eulogised Tooro Kingdom’s Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and conveyed his condolences to the people of Tooro.
He called for prayers and comfort for the kingdom and the country at large, urging Christians to stand with communities going through difficult times.
Bishop Kibuuka said the Church has a responsibility to offer spiritual guidance and comfort to people, particularly during moments of grief and uncertainty.
The ordination marks another step in the AOCC’s efforts to strengthen its clergy and expand its ministry to communities in Uganda.