A delegation from the Apostle and Evangelist Mark Spiritual and Educational Center of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa has conducted a series of pastoral and educational events in two deaneries in Uganda.

The clergy discussed the training of priests, catechesis, parish life and the translation of liturgical books into local languages, according to the exarchate’s website.

In the Northern Deanery, representatives of the center, led by its director, Archpriest Tigriy Khachatryan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Life-Giving Spring in Saint Aidur village. For the first time at the parish, the service used an English-language liturgical book prepared by the Spiritual and Educational Center.

Local clergy were also introduced to the practice of preparing the proskomedia according to the Russian liturgical tradition.

A separate seminar focused on the preparation and preservation of the Holy Gifts for administering Communion to parishioners at home and in medical facilities. The participants also discussed liturgical practice, the unity of the Orthodox faith and missionary work.

Language training formed an important part of the delegation’s activities. Participants agreed to continue translating liturgical texts into Acholi and to prepare a Book of Needs. In the Eastern Deanery, discussions also covered translations into Luganda, Teso and Rutooro.

At the Saint John of Shanghai Missionary Center in Kiboga, the delegation held a pastoral seminar on parish organization and the establishment of Sunday schools. Clergy discussed the training of teachers and the preparation of educational materials for both children and adults.

The delegation also worked with catechists, providing them with materials from the Spiritual and Educational Center. These included a guide to studying the parables of the Gospel and First Steps of Faith, an educational and methodological program for Orthodox schools of the African Exarchate.

The educational mission in Uganda therefore extends beyond the training of clergy. It also involves developing a local infrastructure for Orthodox education, including the translation of liturgical books and the preparation of catechists and Sunday-school teachers.