Bishop-Elect Philip (Mugadizi), an alumnus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, was ordained Tuesday, November 25, to serve as Bishop of the Orthodox Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya.
The ordination took place at the Holy Patriarchal Church of Saint Nicholas in Hamzawi, Cairo, Egypt. The Divine Liturgy and ordination rites were presided over by His Beatitude Theodoros II, the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
Following the ordination, the Patriarch recalled that the words of our Lord, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” remain alive and relevant, particularly in the missionary land of Western Kenya. His Beatitude called on the new hierarch to become a “laborer of this harvest,” fearless in the face of the difficulties of ministry, with the conviction that Christ will strengthen him, the Holy Spirit will enlighten him, and the Saints will accompany him.
Archimandrite Philip with Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 2003
Bishop Philip expressed his deepest gratitude to Patriarch Theodoros II and assured His Beatitude that he would make every effort to prove himself worthy of the trust and great mission entrusted to him.
His Grace Bishop Philip holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Management from St. Paul’s University in Kenya, and he graduated from St. Vladimir’s Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in 2003. He currently serves as Deputy Dean and Lecturer at the Orthodox Patriarchal Ecclesiastical School of Makarios III Archbishop of Cyprus in Nairobi, Kenya.
Archimandrite Philip with Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 2003
Bishop Philip is described as “a devoted servant of God who has consistently demonstrated humility in his walk of faith, integrity in his leadership, and commitment to teaching the principles of the Orthodox faith. … His journey in education and ministry reveals a rare blend of intellectual excellence and spiritual depth, a proof that true leadership flourishes when knowledge and humility walk hand in hand.”
May God grant His Grace Bishop Philip many years! AXIOS, AXIOS, AXIOS!
Some information for this article was adapted from romfea.gr.
