Suva, Fiji – Holy Trinity Cathedral was filled with over a thousand Anglican worshippers on Saturday, March 11th, as they joined in the Eucharistic celebration and showed their support for the Most Reverend Sione Uluilakepa’s ordination and installation as Bishop of Polynesia.
The occasion was made even more special by the presence of Archbishop Don Tamihere and Archbishop Philip Richardson, who travelled from New Zealand to lead the ordination service.
Archbishop Philip Richardson, in a statement, recounted his experience on Saturday during the ordination. He said; “I think that amongst all the enthusiasm and variety of the celebration, the spirit of today’s event was a sense of settled joy, a contentment to have oversight back within the Diocese itself, to have a son of Polynesia as their shepherd once more.”
The Diocese of Polynesia has remained under the guidance of Aotearoa New Zealand Archbishops, who also graced the occasion and were grateful for their oversight. Those present at Holy Trinity Cathedral to support Archbishop Sione were British High Commissioner to Fiji Brian Jones, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches Rev James Bhagwan, Catholic Archbishop of Fiji Most Rev Peter Loy Chong, Anglican Archbishop of Melanesia Most Rev Leonard Dawea and Archbishop of Adelaide and Primate of Australia Most Rev Geoffrey Smith.
Archbishop Geoffrey Smith was present to honour and affirm his Church’s long standing relationships with the Church in these islands,
“I came because this relationship with Polynesia and Aotearoa New Zealand is very important to us.”
According to Archbishop Geoff, he was mesmerised by the beauty of worship on Archbishop Sione’s big day, which he found exceptional,
“It was a great event. The choir was fabulous, they filled the streets and the bay with their sound. Another highlight was the children of St Christopher’s singing during communion. The quality of their singing was just beautiful – the harmonies, the strength of their sound, they were a well-oiled machine.”
The service began with a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony, which included the presentation of mats and gifts to Bishop Uluilakepa. The congregation then joined in hymns and prayers, as they celebrated the new bishop’s appointment and prayed for his ministry. His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and his wife Madam Filomena Katonivere attended as guests of honour.Holy Trinity Cathedral was filled with over a thousand Anglican worshippers on Saturday, March 11th, as they joined in the Eucharistic celebration and showed their support for the Most Reverend Sione Uluilakepa’s ordination and installation as Bishop of Polynesia.
Reverend Sione Uluilakepa’s appointment as Bishop of Polynesia represents a significant moment for the Anglican Church in the Pacific. With the support of his fellow Anglicans, Bishop Uluilakepa is poised to lead the Diocese of Polynesia with wisdom and grace, and to serve as an inspiration to all those who seek to build a better world through faith and service.
