Pastoral Presence and Ministry in Southern Nigeria
His Eminence Metropolitan Nikodimos of Nigeria, always bearing the paternal blessings, prayers, and continuous support of Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, made a pastoral visit on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, 2026, to the Orthodox communities of Imo and Anambra states, culminating in the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, in the Orthodox Community of Archangel Michael in Uli, Ihiala (Anambra State), the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual joy. The missionary priests, silent and humble laborers of the Gospel, faithfully surrounded their shepherd, while hundreds of faithful, children, youth, and families actively participated in the worship gathering. Their vibrant presence served as the most authentic testimony that faith is transmitted as an experience and a shared journey.
The feast of Orthodoxy, a day of confession and unity, acquired substantial meaning through common prayer and the concord of clergy and laity. His Eminence’s presence was not merely ceremonial but pastoral. It was a meeting of persons, a strengthening of communities, and a confirmation that the Church is built on relationship, cooperation, and sacrificial ministry.
The previous day, His Eminence visited the Orthodox Community of Saint John Chrysostom in Umuofor Owu-Amakohia, in the Ikeduru area (Imo State), where he received a warm welcome. Orthodox and Roman Catholic faithful, local leaders, priests, and nuns participated with a spirit of respect and peaceful coexistence. The presence of children and youth offered particular hope, reminding us that the future of the Church is founded on proper catechesis and the living experience of the community.
Within the framework of this visit, at the initiative of Father Chrysostom Onyekakeyah, who serves the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as Coordinator of Mission and Development Programs, a memorial service was held at the tomb of his blessed mother, on the premises of Regina Memorial Hospital (RMH). This was followed by an update on the project’s progress and a tour of the Hospital’s facilities.
Special mention should be made of the Regina Memorial Hospital, which is a source of hope for Umuofor Owu-Amakohia and the surrounding villages, as well as a project of significant importance for the Holy Metropolis of Nigeria, given that there is no other organized healthcare institution in the wider area. Father Chrysostom, through personal sacrifices and a deep sense of responsibility, works tirelessly for the completion of this important project, which is set to serve thousands of residents in the broader region and substantially contribute to meeting their healthcare needs. Its building construction has already been completed, and it stands out as a landmark for the entire area, aiming to offer substantial relief and to be a living expression of the Church’s care for humanity.
These days highlighted that when parishes remain united in true faith and fraternal support, the Holy Metropolis of Nigeria is strengthened and affirmed as a vibrant and active cell of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Pastoral presence is not exhausted in events and ceremonies but is transformed into a steadfast testimony of faith, responsibility, and practical love, which gives meaning and perspective to the Church’s journey.
From the Holy Metropolis
