By Deng Ghai Deng
Emeritus Bishop Nathanial Garang Anyieth Jangdit is currently receiving intensive medical care at a hospital in Nairobi after being diagnosed with a severe case of malaria.
Philip Maluak Deng, Secretary of Information for Jonglei Internal Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), confirmed that the 84-year old Bishop Garang was first transported from Bor to Nile Kings Specialist Hospital in Juba before being flown to Nairobi for advanced treatment.
“Our grandfather Bishop Garang has been flown to Kenya for treatment. He is currently admitted in a hospital in Nairobi,” Deng reported. “I have been closely monitoring his treatment and doctors have reliably informed us that Bishop Garang is positively responding to the medication.”
Maluak also shared that Bishop Ruben Akurdid Ngong Akurdid, the current Bishop of the Diocese of Bor, has called on the faithful around the world to continue their prayers for Bishop Garang, asking for divine intervention for his healing.
Born in 1940 in Werkok village, Makuach Payam of Bor County, Bishop Nathanial Garang has had a notable and influential career within the church.
His educational journey began at Akol Ajak Bush Primary in 1954, followed by Malek Primary School in 1957. He earned a diploma in theology from Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College in 1974 and was ordained as a full pastor the following year.
In 1984, Bishop Garang was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Bor, making history in Dinka culture. He later served as Dean of the province in 2006 and became the acting Archbishop of the Episcopal Province of Sudan following the death of Joseph Marona.
After retiring in April 2011, Ruben Akurdid Ngong Akurdid succeeded him as Bishop of the Diocese of Bor, having won an election in Juba against Nathanial Bol Nyok by 88 votes.
The then Great Bor Dioceses, comprising Bor, Twic East, and Duk, faced critical challenges in 2004-2005 when some church leaders including Bishops late Bishop Philip Angony Chol, Daniel Dau Deng, and John Machar Thon, defected from the Episcopal Church of Sudan, advocating for doctrinal reforms.
Bishop Garang’s legacy remains deeply felt within the church and broader community. His current health situation continues to be a major concern, with many awaiting further updates on his recovery.