…charges the newly ordained priests to live examplary and upright lives
Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Revd Chibuzo Ibezim has charged newly ordained ministers to live examplary and upright lives in the Lord’s vineyards.
He reminded them that priesthood, most times is not bed of roses, urging them to be in relationship with God to be able to feed the flock of Christ.
The Archbishop specifically gave the charge to eight ministers whom he ordained as archdeacons on Sunday at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Among the newly ordained priests are Benjamin Alagbo -St. John’s Parish Mbaukwu, Anthony Edozieuno – St. John’s Church Ikenga Umueri, Solomon Ezeiruaku – All Saints Church/ Christ Church Parish Achina and Nnaemeka Ezeonyi – St. Jude’s Church Parish from Adazi-Ani.
Others are Chukwuma Ikegbo – St Stephens Church Parish Umunze, Chizoba Muogbo – St Paul’s Church Parish Nawfia, Felix Okanime – Cathedral church of St Faith Awka, and Sunday Owolu from St Luke’s Church, Awa.
The prelate said, “The essence of deacon is to serve; the deacon is a servant, and serves his community through human agents. Each time the church is ordaining, it is separating some people; setting them apart and giving them the task to continue in the ministry that has been given to them as mandate.”
“Again, immediately the collar is hung on your neck, you have automatically become a prisoner of Christ because you are now more watched than ever.”
In his sermon titled “Kingdom of God Is Prepared For Some People,’ a retired Bishop, Rt Rev. Sam Chukuka, called for timely repentance of Christians, warning that there is no repentance after death.
“People who want to make heaven must watch their lives. You are free to live, but if you want to serve God, do so appropriately so that you don’t go to hell after all your works on earth. For if a righteous man turns away from righteousness and does that which is forbidden at the dying moments, he will not make heaven.”
In the ordination service which was attended by parishioners from far and near as well as well wishers, President Mother’s Union and Girls Guild, Mrs Chioma Ibezim reminded the deacons’ wives the roles they must play to promote the ministry.
“Husbands are called alongside their wives. the ministry is not just for the man, the woman has to play her role for her man to succeed. The wife should be up and doing because majority of our congregation are women,” she said.
In his goodwill message, Deputy governor of Anambra state, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim urged the people to always pray for the good of the state and its leaders.
He noted that the state government has removed every form of segregation of denomination in the state.
“There had never been this form of representation of the Anglicans in government like what is today obtained in this present government. This is the first time in the history of Anambra state that the Anglican, Pentecostals and the Roman Catholics pray in the government house.”
Speaking seperately, Revd Nnamemeka Ezeonyi and Rev Benjamin Benjamin Alagbo expressed joy at the ordination.
They said serving God is a matter of being obedient to God’s call, praying God to help them actualize the expectations that comes with their callings.
Highpoint of the service was the examination of candidates, declaration of oaths of canonical obedience, Submission to Synod, allegiance to God, abstinence from homosexuality and bisexuality. The oaths were administered by the Diocesan Legal Officers led by the Chancellor, Hon. Justice Sir O.J. Okeke.
