On Saturday, 28 February 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Nikodemus, Metropolitan of Nigeria, made his first official pastoral visit to the Orthodox Community of Saint John Chrysostom in Umuofor Owu-Amakohia, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State. He was accompanied by Archimandrite Fr. Cornelius, a native of the village.
The visit coincided with the Sunday of Orthodoxy, a day dedicated to the profession of faith and the unity of the Church. At the initiative of Fr. Chrysostom Onyekakeyah, who now serves in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the spiritual leadership of Archbishop Elpidophoros, a memorial service was held at the grave of his late mother, located within the grounds of Regina Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Umuofor Owu-Amakohia.
His Eminence was welcomed with deep respect and warmth. Both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities participated actively, reflecting a spirit of fraternity and mutual respect. The residents organized a traditional cultural ceremony in his honor, which concluded in an atmosphere of joy, with children’s voices, warm greetings from local dignitaries, and heartfelt words of welcome.
In his address, His Eminence expressed sincere gratitude for the love and hospitality extended to him. He emphasized that the witness of faith transcends boundaries and confessional distinctions. It is made manifest through unity, cooperation, and service to every human person.
Among those present were the President of the village, members of the Administrative Council, numerous residents, and many children and young people. Roman Catholic priests and nuns were also in attendance, demonstrating the peaceful coexistence cultivated in the area.
Special mention was made of Regina Memorial Hospital (RMH), which serves as a source of hope for Umuofor Owu-Amakohia and the surrounding villages, as no other medical facility exists in the wider region. Through personal sacrifice and by the grace of God, Fr. Chrysostom continues to work tirelessly toward the completion of this important project. The hospital aims to alleviate suffering, provide dignified medical care, and stand as a living testimony of Christian love and social service.
This pastoral visit once again highlighted that the Church is called to be present wherever there is need: to unite, to support, to bless, and to heal. This mission is expressed not only spiritually but also tangibly through works of philanthropy and service.
Glory is given to God for the joy of this encounter, for the spirit of cooperation that prevailed, and for the hope that arises from such initiatives.
