13th Synod an opportunity to leverage blessings of God -Archbishop Ibezim
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, Ph.D., has urged Christians all over the world to seize the 13th Diocesan Synod as an opportunity to obtain blessings and favour from God.
He said the programme is geared towards the promotion of the gospel of Jesus Christ and an opportunity to enjoy a fellowship with Christ that is worth more than money, silver, and gold.
The Archbishop was speaking on Thursday at the Arrival Service marking the First Session of the 13th Synod which takes place this weekend at St Peter’s Church, Agulu in Anaocha local government area, Anambra State.
www.odogwublog.com reports that Synod is the highest decision-making body of the Diocese during which representatives of the Churches in Awka Diocese assemble annually with the Bishop to discuss matters of national interest and those affecting the order and good government of the Diocese and the society.
Delivering his homily on the synod theme, “Running the Christian Race: Implications for the Family in Perilous Times,” guest preacher and Bishop, Diocese of Langtang, Rt. Rev. Stanley Fube urged Christians to maintain an exemplary lifestyle in their neighborhood irrespective of the challenges of the time.
He said, “As a Christian one must live a life that is worthy of emulation; not on spoken words, but based on character.” He said that remains the only way of improving the family, church, and society at large to be habitable to mankind.
Rev. Fube who specifically urged parents to shun bad life and unchristian living, noted that such a lifestyle is capable of ruining the future of the younger generation and generations yet unborn. He, however, admonished parents to be alive to their responsibilities of raising their wards in the fear of the Lord and to be Christ ambassadors.
Welcoming the Archbishops, Bishops and other delegates to Agulu, Ven. Chamberlain U. Ofonakara, the Archdeacon in charge of Agulu Archdeaconry, described the 2023 edition of the Synod as “a recovery Synod for Agulu. He thanked Archbishop Ibezim for believing in Agulu and reassured that the people of the town have gone far in ensuring a peaceful and fruitful deliberations and other synodical activities.
In a later development, the Archbishop, his wife, Mrs Chioma Ibezim, and other Diocesan officials paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Agulu, Igwe Innocent Elochukwu Obodoakor in his palace.
While thanking God for the existing peace and progress of the town. Archbishop Ibezim commended the monarch for his roles in ensuring unity and love in the town. He described Agulu as a town that is richly endowed spiritually having produced numerous great men for the state and country. He said that period of synod is a period of blessing and assured that the blessings of the Lord will manifest in the land.
Responding, Igwe Obodoakor thanked the Archbishop for the visit and for choosing Agulu as the host town for the Synod. He assured to leave no stone unturned in ensuring a hitch-free synod in the town.
In a vote of thanks, Chairman, Diocesan Synod Planning Committee, Hon. Sir Emma Ezewaji, thanked the monarch for the hospitality and reception of the church in Agulu.
Other high point of the first session were the arrival of delegates, the colourful parade by the Boys and Girls Brigade, and the planting of the Synod tree.
www.odogwublog.com reports that the first session will be followed by the Eucharistic Service, Plenary Session, and Launching of the 2022 Synod Report on Friday, while Mattins, presentation of the Archbishop’s charge and raising of funds for the completion of some Diocesan projects will take their turn on Saturday.
