Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
The Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, has announced that the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi II, has entrusted the Church with leading all official prayers and celebrations for his forthcoming 71st birthday.
The celebrations will take place at St. Nicholas Cathedral Namungoona on April 13, marking a significant moment of collaboration between the Kingdom of Buganda and the Orthodox faith community.
Metropolitan Muzeeyi made the announcement shortly after presiding over Holy Mass to commemorate the Sunday of Orthodoxy, one of the most important feasts in the Orthodox liturgical calendar.
Observed annually on the first Sunday of Lent, the day commemorates the historic restoration of holy icons in the Church. Between 726 and 843 AD, the Christian Church underwent the Iconoclast Controversy — a prolonged theological dispute in which some believers opposed the veneration of sacred images, arguing that reverence was being directed toward icons rather than to God.
The dispute was resolved in 843, affirming that icons serve as visual representations that inspire devotion and reflection, while worship is due to God alone. Since then, Orthodox Christians worldwide have marked the restoration of icons as a triumph of faith and doctrine.
Addressing congregants at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Metropolitan Muzeeyi urged believers to honor the Sunday of Orthodoxy with the spiritual significance it deserves.
“This is a day that reminds us to stand firm in the true teachings of the Church,” he said, encouraging Christians to deepen their faith and continue spreading the Gospel.
He then formally conveyed the Kabaka’s decision to have the Orthodox Church organize prayers and lead the official birthday celebrations — an announcement that was met with jubilation from the congregation, who expressed excitement and gratitude for the honor bestowed upon their Church.
The Orthodox Church’s role in the Kabaka’s birthday celebrations underscores the longstanding relationship between the Kingdom of Buganda and various faith communities in Uganda.
Meanwhile, Nsubuga Eriasa, head catechist of Namungoona Parish, confirmed that preparations are already underway. Church leaders have coordinated with the Mengo administration to ensure the April 13 event is conducted in an organized and dignified manner.
As anticipation builds, the faithful and well-wishers are expected to gather at St. Nicholas Cathedral to mark both a spiritual milestone and the 71st birthday of Buganda’s monarch in what promises to be a historic celebration.
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