Hundreds of worshipers from around the Pacific including President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and First Lady Filomena Katonivere gathered at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Suva on Saturday to witness the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-Elect Sione Ulu’ilakepa as the eighth Bishop of Polynesia.
Father Ulu’ilakepa was confirmed as Bishop-elect of Polynesia by majority assent of General Synod Te Hinota Whanui, which makes him archbishop-elect of the three-Tikanga Church.
His ordination as the eighth Bishop of Polynesia also confirmed him as one of the Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zeeland and Polynesia.
Father Ulu’ilakepa led Tongan and Fijian communities in formation and training, helped develop climate disaster preparedness strategies, nurtured work in youth, and offered his backing to the plastic free campaign.
Prior to his ordination on Saturday Bishop-Elect, Sione Ulu’ilakepa and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the President at the State House where they presented him with gifts as a formal invitation to attend the ordination.
Upon receiving the delegation Mr Katonivere expressed his sincere gratitude and noted that it was a first for him and his office.
The ordination also saw priests from across the region and various local church ministers gather at the Holy Trinity Cathedral to witness the historic event.
Following the ordination a luncheon was held at the Vodafone Arena.
Father Ulu’ilakepa conducted his first holy Eucharist as Bishop on Saturday while a traditional welcome was expected to be conducted yesterday.
