By Chol D. Johnson
The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) and the nation mourn the passing of Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth, who departed on Tuesday morning, February 24, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Archbishop and Primate of ECSS, Justin Badi Arama, expressed profound sorrow in a press statement, describing Bishop Garang as a faithful shepherd whose life was devoted to God and His people.
“With a heavy heart, the Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan announces the passing of Bishop Nathaniel Garang,” Archbishop Badi said. “We pray for his soul and for the Lord to comfort his family and the Church in this time of loss.”
Bishop Garang was consecrated in 1984 and became the first Diocesan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bor.
He became the bishop of Jonglei internal province until he peaceful retired.
Throughout his ministry, he was widely respected for his courage, humility, and strong pastoral leadership.
He played a significant role in nurturing and strengthening the faith of Christians in South Sudan, particularly during the years of the liberation struggle.
Archbishop Badi described the late bishop as a spiritual father who offered hope and guidance to his people during challenging times.
He called upon Christians across the country to pray for Bishop Garang’s immediate family and for the arrangements to return his remains to South Sudan.
“We request prayers for his immediate family and for the arrangements to bring his remains beck home to South Sudan” Badi said.
Meanwhile, Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pach confirmed that Bishop Garang had been taken to Kenya for medical treatment after falling seriously ill.
“Bishop Garang lived a full life devoted to God and His people. His passing is a great loss, but his legacy of faith and service endures,” Ateny said. “We call on the faithful to remain calm and allow the burial process to proceed in peace.”
According to Ateny, the retired bishop later collapsed and passed away at home, not in the hospital.
Ateny urged Christians and residents of Bor County to remain calm and united as burial arrangements are being organized.
“Nathaneil Garang died at old age; he was taken to Kenya for treatment when he was severely sick and we could not manage him” Ateny reiterated.
Ateny said that late. Garang just collapsed and passed on at home not in the hospital since he was taken for treatment in Kenya.
“Late Nathaniel Just collapsed and passed on at home, not in the hospital” he said.
He urged the Christians and members of Bor County to take heart for the passing of late. Garang Anyieth.
He emphasized that Bishop Garang’s legacy will continue to live on through the seeds of faith he planted in the lives of believers.
“I would like to call upon the members of Bor County, the Christians, to remain calm and allow the process of the burial of the Lord Bishop Nathaniel to be made in peace” he called.
The remains of the late bishop are expected to be transported from Nairobi to Juba for burial, as South Sudan prepares to honor a man remembered for his lifelong dedication to the church and his unwavering service to his people.