By Emmanuel Olinga
The Anglican community in Soroti Church of Uganda (COU) Diocese is celebrating the ordination of 30 ordinands, including four new priests and twenty-six deacons, in ceremony held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti.
Presided over by the Bishop of Soroti Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Kosea Odongo, the event drew hundreds of Christians from across Teso and beyond.
Accompanied by senior clergy including Rev. Canon Boniface Esomu, Vicar of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Archdeacons, and Cathedral priests, Bishop Odongo led the solemn rites that officially ushered the ordinands into higher responsibilities of service in God’s house.
The newly ordained deacons included: Paul Ocola (Asuret), Vincent Eyoku (Alere), Joshua Elimu (St. Paul’s Pankara), Peter Opio (Okile), Thomas Ewadu (Orungo), William Egwayu (Olelai), Simon Epinyu (Otuboi), Ben Opolot (Acowa), Bruno Ekellot (Okao), John Kokas Erepu (Asamuk), Lawrence Okia (Ngariam), Mikali Akello (Katakwi), Moses Ekadu (Ocelakur), Moses Ecodu (Serere), Richard Abaka (Okao), Richard Omoen (Obalanga), Robert Eongor (Magoro), William Olunyi (Otuboi), Lucy Ogwel (Katakwi), Stephen Oreet (Kamod), Michael Okone (Pingire), Jeremiah Omoding (Abarilela), Simon Peter Eriku (Orungo), Simon Peter Omase (Getom, Katakwi), Martin Ogura (Ousia), and Allan Odongo (Serere).
Four deacons were elevated to priesthood: Rev. Deacon Betty Abaro Egadu (Angole), Rev. Deacon Daniel Okwero (Asamuk), Rev. Deacon Simon Peter Omaido (Obalanga), and Rev. Deacon Samuel Ekita (Labor, Serere District).
During the sermon, the guest preacher and Bishop of Malindi Diocese in Kenya, Rt. Rev. Reuben Katite Shukuru, delivered a powerful message centred on the theme “God Calls Us to Serve.”
Drawing from Ephesians 4:11–12, he reminded Christians that each believer is endowed with spiritual gifts meant to build the body of Christ.
He urged young people to take interest in church ministry and explore the gifts God has placed in their lives.
He encouraged Christians to be attentive to God’s voice, saying, “Christ calls each one of us. God has gifted everyone, and these gifts must be used to grow the church. A Christian who ignores their calling denies the church an important blessing.”
Bishop Katite further appealed to the ordinands to embrace humility, obedience, and service, noting that true ministry requires sacrifice and a willingness to be shaped by God.
In his charge to the newly ordained, Rt. Rev. Dr. Kosea Odongo emphasized steadfastness and spiritual discipline.
He urged them to let the “script mold” their conduct and allow prayer to govern their daily walk with Christ.
“The church needs your gifts. Let Christ reform you, and follow His voice with obedience,” Bishop Odongo said.
He reminded Christians to respect and support their anointed leaders, noting that harmonious leadership strengthens the mission of evangelism.
The Bishop likened the calling to the biblical fishermen who left their boats to follow Jesus, saying Christians should also be willing to respond faithfully when God calls.
The ordination brought renewed focus to the unique roles of priests and deacons in the Anglican Church.
Priests serve as spiritual leaders, administering sacraments such as Baptism, Holy Communion, Marriage, and Confession. They preach the Gospel, offer pastoral counseling, visit the sick, and guide congregations in worship.
Deacons, on the other hand, are called to servanthood. They support parish priests by managing practical responsibilities, including community outreach, welfare initiatives, financial administration, and assisting in liturgy. Their service allows the church to function smoothly and reach vulnerable communities with the love of Christ.
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