Kampala, Uganda, September 9, 2021
His Eminence Metropolitan of Uganda “ceased to be only a property of the Church but was a national icon who undeniably deserves a befitting burial as a National hero.”
This sentiment was expressed in a meeting yesterday between Church leaders and Honorable Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, reports the press service of the Uganda Orthodox Church.
The head of the Church in Uganda reposed in the Lord on Sunday, having suffered a heart attack after a long battle with cancer. He gave the last 29 years of his life to the episcopal ministry, including 24 as Metropolitan of Kampala and All Uganda.
Given the state’s respect for Met. Jonah’s ministry, it announced yesterday that he will be accorded an official state funeral, including a gun salute, and a procession with the army accompanying His Eminence’s body.
The agreement also implies that the government will facilitate funding for the funeral, the Church reports.
The Church also emphasizes that the “traditions and culture of the Orthodox faith will be prioritized during the burial arrangements alongside those above-mentioned activities involved in an official state funeral.”
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