Archbishop Ibezim Ordains Priests, Deacons of Anglican Diocese of Awka

Six deacons have been ordained priests and nine ordinands made deacons of the Anglican Diocese Of Awka by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim.

Most Reverend Ibezim who is also the Archbishop, Province of the Niger ordained these ministers of God during a Trinity ordination service held at Saint Paul’s Parish, Umuokpu-Awka. 

The service saw in attendance the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, members of the legal team of the Diocese led by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Justice OJ Okeke, traditional rulers, friends, family and well wishers of the ordained. 

Those ordained priests were Reverends Einstein Emone, Obiora Ibezim, Echezona Ifechelobi, Stanley Nweke, Micheal Nwokoye and Peter Nwachkwu.

Those made Deacons were Chukwunwike Agbata, Chijioke Anaemena, Ikechukwu Ezeador, Ozoenema Ezeugo and Uchenna Igwe.

Others are Chukwudi Izuakor, Victor Okeke, Uchechukwu Okonkwo and Onyeka Okoye.

While ordaining the priests, Most Reverend Ibezim tasked them to proclaim the word and deed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, fashion their life in accordance with its precepts, declare God’s forgiveness to sinners, pronounce God’s blessing and preside at the administration of holy baptism.

He stated that because they cannot bear the weight of the ministry wotj their own strength but only by the grace and power of God, they should pray earnestly for God’s guidance that he will each day enlarge and enlighten their understanding of the scripture so as to grow stronger and more matured in the ministry.

In a sermon to mark the service, the retreatant and preacher, Venerable Chris Ogbodo said as militant soldiers of God, they should gain approval from God which will be confirmed by men, put their personal efforts and make the pulpit a place of dispensing God’s word which is their greatest weapon and place to reawaken the conscience of men.

Venerable Ogbodo said as priests, they must be faithful researchers into God’s word while urging the congregation to back them up with prayers, support their welfare. 

Addressing the congregation, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Ibezim reassured of the commitment of the state government towards partnering the church to ensure lasting development. 

Dr Ibezim said that on inception the present administration met a very challenging terrain but with the help of God, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reshaped and developing all sectors  simultaneously, calling on the support of the Church and Ndị Anambra to make the state a stronger and livable state of their own. 

Dr Ibezim felicitated the new priests and charged them to serve God with humility and diligence. 

The President, Mother’s Union, Province Of The Niger and Diocese Of Awka, Mrs Martha Ibezim encouraged the wives of the newly ordained that they  were also called along side their husbands therefore, they should give them all necessary support needed to have a successful ministry while making positive contributions in the women’s ministry.

In their separate speeches, two of the newly ordained, Reverend Ozoenema Ezeugo and Reverend Chebechukwu Okeke expressed fulfilment for answering God’s call which was manifested through the support of Most Reverend Ibezim, pleaged to do the work of evangelism and to keep to the vows taken.

The priests were administered with the oaths of canonical obedience, allegiance to God, against Homosexuality/Bisexuality and submission to synod while ordination proper and special thanksgiving climaxed the service.