It sometimes seems like death has a way of snatching the best among us and at the worst time. It is only humanly understandable that the Orthodox Church is mourning the loss of His Grace Bishop Athanasius Akunda of Kisumu and Western Kenya Diocese. For those who knew and interacted with him, there is only one word that comes to mind: humility. As Christians waiting and hoping for the unification with our saviour through the mystery of death, the Bishop’s death gives us a chance to reflect on his teachings and example even as we grieve.

Bishop’s humility in his work reminds us that the apex of one’s edification and fulfillment is the opportunity to serve the least in the society, to teach and mold future generations, to nurture and preach to a community of faith whose sole mission and purpose is to proclaim the gospel to reach all the corners of the universe, and above all to work on one’s salvation. Those who are called to work in the vineyard have a bigger calling and an even more difficult mission. To protect and nurture delicate souls entrusted to their care and for their spiritual growth is by no means an easy task given the flesh and the spiritual are always in conflict. The seriousness with which he took his liturgical role in the church is a constant reminder that indeed, the life of a Christian is centered on the tenets of offering and sacrifice of themselves and all their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In my many interactions with the Bishop, he always reminded me that today, more than ever, the church as an institution and as a body of Christ is called upon to teach its faithful not only their roles as participants in the building of the body of Christ, but also in living their faith as true Christians.

Bishop Athanasius, named after one of the greatest teachers and a priest in the church in the fourth century, taught us a lot about priests and priesthood, a role he played diligently with a servant leadership attitude that deserves to be emulated by those serving as clergy today. He epitomised what St John Chrysostom, another great church father, teaches us: The work of priesthood is done on earth, but is ranked among heavenly ordinances.  And this is only right, for no man, no angel, no archangel, no other created power, but the comforter Himself ordained this succession, and persuaded men, while still remaining in the flesh, to represent the ministry of angels”.

God with his unending love has given us priesthood as a manifestation of this love. Those of us called into priesthood, an office Bishop Athanasius took seriously and dear to his heart, have to remember they have loaned their voices and hands to God to perform his mysteries each time they celebrate the Holy Mysteries. Over the centuries, priesthood has been seen, and rightly so, regarded as the highest calling that any human being can aspire to because there is nothing greater than giving yourself to the service of others, both as a clergy or laity, for we are all called into the royal priesthood.

The memory of Bishop Athanasius will be honored by those of us who will continue his mission, care, teaching, preaching and service to the least in the society. May your memory be eternal as you rest among the saints.

By Macharia Githui in Boston, Massachusetts.