Church of the Holy Spirit Holds 2026 Confirmation, Admits Over 100 Candidates into Church Guilds

The Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka Diocese, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, held its annual Confirmation Service and admission ceremony into the Mothers’ Union, Girls’ Guild, and other women and youth organizations of the Church, with over 100 candidates confirmed after completing weeks of catechism instruction.
The solemn and colourful service was presided over by the Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop of the Province on the Niger, The Most Reverend Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, alongside his wife, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Ibezim (Nneoma), who serves as President of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild, and Girls’ Guild in the Province.
The service was conducted by the Parish Priest, Venerable Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu, and featured a series of liturgical and ceremonial activities, including a colourful procession led by the Boys’ Brigade colour party, choir renditions, musical interludes, Bible readings, and the formal confirmation of candidates through the laying on of hands.
The event attracted members of the congregation, families of the candidates, church officials, and guests who gathered to witness the spiritual milestone.
In his sermon, Archbishop Ibezim emphasized three key principles for success in life: foundation, favour, and hard work, drawing his biblical references from Matthew 7:24–27, 1 Corinthians 3:10–11, Psalm 106:4, and Colossians 3:23.

He stressed that a strong spiritual foundation is essential for a successful life, describing Jesus Christ as the ultimate foundation for every believer. According to him, no lasting success can be achieved without a godly foundation.
“If the foundation is strong, the structure will stand,” he said. “The true foundation of every life is Jesus Christ.”

The Archbishop also noted that titles, status, or religious affiliation are meaningless without transformed lives, adding that God is more concerned with inner transformation than outward appearances. He encouraged parents to intentionally build strong moral and spiritual foundations for their children.

Speaking further on favour, Archbishop Ibezim explained that favour is a divine gift from God and should not be pursued through human desperation or excessive dependence on others. He advised worshippers to channel their efforts into seeking God’s favour rather than relying on constant human assistance, citing Psalm 106:4.

On the subject of hard work, the Archbishop described it as a form of service that is recognized and rewarded by God. He urged students, parents, and homemakers to embrace diligence and responsibility in their daily duties.

“Hard work is service,” he said. “Whether as students, parents, or workers, diligence is recorded before God. Even nations that do not acknowledge God still understand the value of hard work.”

He further cautioned against laziness, emphasizing that indiscipline and lack of responsibility can weaken families and hinder personal growth. He encouraged students especially to take their studies seriously, noting that their current stage in life is a critical period for learning and development.

A key highlight of the service was the confirmation of over 100 candidates. The Archbishop personally examined them on the doctrines of the Christian faith before laying hands on each candidate, praying for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit.

The confirmation was conducted in batches, beginning with catechism candidates, followed by members of the Girls’ Guild, and concluding with the Mothers’ Union inductees.

The ceremony ended with prayers, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment from the newly confirmed members to live out their faith within the church and wider society