Orthodox missionary Father Antonios expands efforts to support children in Uganda

Father Antonios, an Orthodox missionary born in the village of Monde, Uganda, is currently in Cyprus to highlight his ongoing humanitarian efforts. After growing up in a region 160 kilometers from Kampala, Father Antonios received a scholarship from the late Bishop Irinaios Galanakis to study in Kastelli, Crete, eventually becoming a Greek citizen. Despite his life in Europe, he returned to his home country to establish mission work that currently provides education and support to approximately 1,700 children.

The mission is supported by the Cypriot organization 'Agapis Cheria,' which funds scholarships for Ugandan students, including placements at TEPAK. During his visit, Father Antonios emphasized the urgent need to expand his humanitarian infrastructure. He noted that he is often forced to turn away children due to limited resources, which he described as the most difficult part of his mission. His immediate objectives involve building additional schools, establishing a health center, and starting a coffee plantation to generate sustainable income for the mission.

Father Antonios continues to seek support to address the critical needs of local children who often arrive at the mission hungry. Future plans for the project are focused on expanding these facilities to increase the mission's capacity to care for more youths in need.