JUBA — The organizing committee and the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) have officially released the itinerary for the final rites and burial. The late Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth Jangdit, who is highly revered, will be laid to rest in Jonglei State early next month.
The schedule outlines a multi-day period of mourning. This allows congregations, state officials, and citizens across Nairobi, Juba, and Bor to pay their final respects to the monumental spiritual leader.
The Official Itinerary
The coordinated procession to bring the late bishop to his final resting place spans four days:
- Saturday, March 28, 2026: Prayers in Nairobi. A dedicated prayer service will be held in Nairobi, Kenya. This will allow the South Sudanese diaspora to gather in mourning. Those who accompanied him during his final days will also participate.
- Monday, March 30, 2026: Arrival in the Capital. The body of the late bishop will be officially repatriated, arriving at Juba International Airport, where it is expected to be received by high-ranking clergy and state dignitaries.
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Journey to Jonglei. The body will leave Juba and be transported to Bor, the capital of Jonglei State and the historic seat of his diocese.
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Final Rites and Burial. The official viewing of the body and final prayer services will take place in Bor, followed immediately by his burial. Thousands of mourners from across the Greater Bor region and beyond are expected to attend.
A Legacy of Spiritual Resilience
Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth Jangdit leaves behind a legacy that transcends the church. He served as a foundational pillar of spiritual strength. He provided moral guidance during the darkest days of the liberation struggle. He offered hope to the displaced populations and the “Red Army” across the region. His passing marks the end of an era for the ECSS. The communities of Jonglei State saw him as a symbol of unwavering faith and resilience.
Late Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth Jangdit was born around 1940 in Werkok Village (Makuach Payam, Bor County). He passed away on February 24, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. He was approximately 86 years old. The Episcopal Church of South Sudan did not explicitly name a specific cause of death in their official announcement. The highly respected retired bishop passed away after a general period of declining health. He had been earlier airlifted to Nairobi for severe medical treatment in recent years.