Official Description of the Crest
The crest of His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios Lubega is a sacred emblem representing his divine authority, apostolic succession, and unwavering commitment to the Orthodox Christian faith in Uganda and Africa. At its center is the holy icon of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, the patron and spiritual guide of the Metropolitan, symbolizing humility, holiness, and devotion to Christ. The icon is enshrined within the golden double-headed eagle, a traditional symbol of Orthodox sovereignty and ecclesiastical authority, reflecting the Metropolitan’s role as a spiritual shepherd entrusted with the care of the Church.
The three crowns atop the eagle signify divine wisdom, ecclesiastical leadership, and the apostolic mission, while the scepter and orb in the eagle’s claws represent the governance of the Church and the spreading of the Gospel throughout Africa. This crest serves as a visual declaration of the Metropolitan’s mission to uphold Genuine Orthodoxy, educate the faithful, and bring the light of Christ to all corners of the continent.
Official Motto:
“Preserving the Faith, Proclaiming the Truth, Shepherding the Flock”
This motto reflects the core mission of Metropolitan Nektarios Lubega:
Preserving the Faith – Upholding the Orthodox tradition in its purest form, following the teachings of the Holy Fathers.
Proclaiming the Truth – Spreading the Gospel and defending Orthodoxy against modern distortions.
Shepherding the Flock – Providing spiritual care, guidance, and leadership to the faithful in Uganda, Africa, and beyond.
Profile of the Holy Orthodox Church of Uganda
Canonical Status:
The Holy Metropolis of Mityana is part of the Holy Orthodox Church of North America (HOCNA) and follows the Julian Calendar, preserving the unaltered Orthodox faith as handed down by the Holy Fathers.
Official Name:
Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Mityana
Leadership:
Hierarch: His Eminence, Metropolitan Nektarios-Leonard Lubega
Born: 3rd May 1973
Ordained to the Diaconate: 18th November 2002
Ordained to the Priesthood: 1st June 2003
Consecrated to the Episcopacy: 7/20 September 2020
Appointed and Elevated to Metropolitan: 1/19th February 2025
Residence: Holy Metropolis Headquarters at Mount Sinai, Kawanga Hill, Buwalula, Busujju County, Mityana District
Mission & Vision:
To preserve and spread Genuine Orthodoxy in Uganda and across Africa
To maintain the Orthodox faith intact, pure, perfect, and unchanged
To evangelize and offer pastoral care to the faithful
To build and strengthen Orthodox communities by establishing churches, schools, and monasteries
To serve the underprivileged through humanitarian and social programs
Major Activities & Institutions:
1. Church Establishment & Evangelism:
Founding and expanding Orthodox churches in Uganda and across Africa
Ordination of clergy to strengthen pastoral work
Missionary efforts in Uganda, DRC, Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond
2. Education & Theological Training:
Seminary established for theological education and clergy formation
Primary & Secondary Schools, Colleges under Church leadership
His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios Lubega serves as Chairperson of the University Council of Team University
3. Social & Humanitarian Work:
Plans for the construction of a hospital at the Holy Metropolis Headquarters
Support for orphans and underprivileged children
Skills training programs, including:
Craft-making and prayer rope production
Hairdressing and beauty therapy
Bricklaying and concrete practice
Tailoring and garment making
4. Interjurisdictional Relations & International Engagements:
Strong relations with other Orthodox jurisdictions
Apostolic visits and international missionary journeys
Hosting of Orthodox hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and dignitaries
Upcoming Events:
Apostolic Visit of His Beatitude, Gregory, Metropolitan Archbishop of Boston and President of the Holy Synod
Date: 21st June 2025
Venue: Holy Metropolis Cathedral of St. Nektarios, Kawanga Hill, Buwalula, Mityana District
Program:
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Public celebrations and cultural events
Attendance by clergy, monastics, government officials, and Orthodox faithful
Spiritual Legacy & Impact:
The Holy Metropolis of Mityana, under Metropolitan Nektarios, stands as a beacon of Genuine Orthodoxy in Africa, carrying forth the apostolic mission, caring for the faithful, and upholding the Orthodox tradition without compromise. Through evangelism, education, and social service, it continues to strengthen the faith and bring Christ to the people.