Bishop Ibezim collates Venerable Okafor Archdeacon, 5 Canons installed
Bishop Ibezim and wife, Chioma with the latest Archdeacon in Awka diocese Ven Christian Nkem Okafor and wife, Chioma and extreme right Retired Bishop Sam Chukwuka
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The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Province on the Niger, Right Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD collated and installed Venerable Christian Nkem Okafor, an Archdeacon in Awka diocese. Ven. Okafor who is the Archdeacon Adazi-Ani Archdeaconry is the only one collated Archdeacon at the ceremony.
Bishop Ibezim as well collated and installed five (5) new Canons for the diocese. They include Rev’D Canon Barr Cosmas Okafor-Digwu; Rev’D Canon Charles Chizoba Chukwurah; Rev’D Canon Reuben Izuchukwu Okafor; Rev’D Canon Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Obienyem and Rev’D Canon Christopher Osita Ezenwa.
Bishop Ibezim encouraged the elevated priests to win souls for Jesus Christ through their characters which according to him speaks volume of who they are in reality and the congregation is watching.
The Awka Bishop further stressed that the installation and collation was aimed at empowering the newly promoted priests for the big task ahead, describing a Venerable as Bishop’s representative and his eye in the task of winning souls for Christ.
The Retreatant/Preacher, the retired Bishop of Isukwuato/Umunneochi, The Right Reverend Sam Chukwuka earlier in his sermon during the collation and installation, insisted that elevation in the Church is for bigger responsibility hence they should not look back in making disciples of all men, even as he lamented that many in the ministry have left their primary reason of being ordained priest to some other mundane things, and enjoined them to retrace their steps.
Reacting on his elevation, Venerable Christian Nkem Okafor said he was overwhelmed and expressed gratitude to Bishop Ibezim and wife, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim who is also the President of Mother’s Union of Awka Diocese for the elevation. He pledged to serve God to the end of his life without compromise, pointing out that his elevation was unique and special having been collated alone.
On his part, The Rev’D Canon Charles Chizoba Chukwurah said he has since given God everything about his life for service to humanity and wondered why he should not surrender to God if he can as a former soldier surrender to human beings, why not now to a Supreme being-God Almighty.
He pointed out that he would serve God to the end of his life, insisting that the model for Christians is Jesus Christ.
