Father George (Georgios) was ordained a Deacon by Thessaloniki’s bishop Anthimos recently, the first Ugandan Deacon in the known history of the city’s Diocese.
Father George came from the African state of Uganda and went to Thessaloniki in order to study in the Theological School of the Aristotle University of the city.
However, apart from his theology studies, father George decided to devote himself to the Church, thus he became the city’s first non-white religious figure.
“I intend to finish my school, get my degree and then go back to my homeland, Uganda, and become a clergyman there,” he said while speaking to a Greek TV morning show.
Father George also said that he used to be a Protestant before converting to Orthodox Christianity in Greece.
Father George also expressed his gratitude for having studied in the city where Apostle Paul once taught and explained how the flock of Thessaloniki has welcomed him saying characteristically that ”people tell me that I am one of them!’’
Father Georgios is not the only foreigner though in the region’s ecclesiastical map since his church, Saint Spyridon in Triandria, has two Syrian priests as well, making it Thessaloniki’s most multi-national church!
Source: greekreporter
