Advent Ordination: 22 ordained in Awka, Niger, Niger West
Bishop Nwokolo and the new priests and Deacons
No fewer than twenty eight (28) priests were ordained across Anambra state during the Advent ordination recently.
The Anglican Bishop of Niger West, Right Reverend Johnson Ekwe at the event at the Cathedral Church of Saint Gabriel Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area charged priests to always live life of integrity. Two ordinands were also made Deacons and seven persons were licensed as Lay Readers.
Earlier in a sermon, the Retreatant and the Diocesan Clerical Synod Secretary, Venerable Charles Chukwurah reminded the priests that call to serve is a service of honour.
At the All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo who ordained eight priests charged the new Deacons to adorn themselves with Christian virtues and continually stir up the gift of God in them to make Christ known to all people.
Earlier in a sermon titled The Faithful Steward in a time like this, Venerable Chidi Nwadike who noted that the new Deacons specialized in different areas of education, enjoined them to work towards restoring fast disappearing family values and societal norms in their duty posts.
As well at the Anglican diocese of Mbammili, a priest and four deacons have been ordained at the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael Umuikwu Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area by the Diocesan Bishop, Right Reverend Henry Okeke.
At Awka Anglican communion were 11 priests were ordained, the Bishop of Ikwuano Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Chigozirim Onyegbule described leaders as watchmen stationed by God in different sections of the society to stand as guards to the people and middlemen between God and men, regretting that Nigeria has perpetually remained in a sorry state because her leaders have refused to totally submit themselves to God.
Examining the Deacons before they were made priests, the Archbishop of Niger Province and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim told them that it is their task to proclaim by word and deed the gospel of Christ and to love and serve all alike according to the precepts of the Bible.
Reverend Canon Ekene Nwafor, of Saint Michael and All Angels Church, Ifite-Awka was preferred an Archdeacon during the service.
Present at the Ordination service were the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Isukwuato-Umenneochi, Right Reverend Mannaseh Okere the legal team of the Diocese, led by its Chancellor, Justice Okechukwu Okeke and the Council of Knights of the Diocese.
