“Stop Announcing Peoples Death On Social Media, ‘CHS Awka Archdeacon, Ven.Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu Advises

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By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka

In Igbo tradition and culture, only families of the deceased are authorized to announce the death of their beloved ones, thus, the Archdeacon, CHS Awka Archdeaconry, Ven.Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu has advised social media users to stop announcing people’s death, if their families haven’t done so.

Reverend Augustine Otiji

Ven.Dr. Egwuonwu who stated this in a sermon at the Church of The Holy Spirit, Awka, reiterated that it’s against all customs and traditions of Igbo race to announce other people’s death outside their family. This he said, maybe obtainable in other cultures and traditions.

He said social media users can escalate the information from the families of the deceased, rather than being the first to announce people’s death, no matter the circumstances surrounding their death.

He maintained there is a bigger difference between hearsay and being sure of an information you are sharing, warning members of his congregation to shun posting on the social media hearsay but what they are sure of.

Ven Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu and wife Barr Chioma Egwuonwu

Ven.Dr. Egwuonwu who is also the Vicar Church of The Holy Spirit Awka as well warmed Christians against listening to false doctrines and teachings capable of abusing their minds about God’s omnipotence and omnipresence status. He equally preached against men of God availing their pulpits to others unknown to them as their alters may be used to brainwash their congregation.

He buttressed: “For me , I must know you before I allow you to use my pulpit to message to the congregation. And for the worshippers, if you don’t have the capacity, and capability of withstanding some of the vague preaching and distortion of the Bible, don’t go anywhere you are not sure of, for the sermon”.

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He insisted that God’s blessings can be delayed, but, it does not mean denial because according to him, there are special delays. He informed the congregation that during the time of the High priests , God relayed messages through the High priests but now God speaks to individuals Himself.

Ven.Dr. Egwuonwu called on Chirstians to jettison proud lifestyle as a pride goes before a fall, noting that a proud person can’t serve God as it’s difficult for the person to follow Jesus Christ ‘s steps.

He further called for support to inmates at Correctional Centers across the country at a time like this and commended the prison Evangelist coordinators of the CHS Awka, Lay Reader Kingsley Ogunta and Lay Reader Maazi OC Akutaekwe, for their outstanding contributions to the service of God and humanity.

Venerable Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu

He encouraged men to be careful on their attitudes to their wives when pregnant as any senseless action may affect the unborn child, advocating that men always show love and understanding with their wives ,while women show respect and humility to their husbands.
He informed that husbands should agree with their wives on issues in the family like naming the child etc for it to be marriage.
He was worried some men of God anointed themselves rather than God anointing them, thus they focus the message on themselves as men of God rather than on Jesus Christ.

He charged men to live upto their expectations in both their families and the society.

On the theme of the sermon: “John’s example as herald of His coming”, Ven.Dr Egwuonwu said John played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ ‘s ministry. He asked Christians to emulate John’s humility, obedience and surrender to God’s will, describing how palpable, John’s ministry served as forerunner, and his decreasing so that Jesus Christ shall increase unlike what is obtainable in this era of selfishness.

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…… Reverend Augustine Otiji Admonishes Christians

Meanwhile, Priest Assistant, Church of The Holy Spirit, Awka, Reverend Augustine Otiji has encouraged Christians to be obedient to God’s words always as it opens doors for God’s wisdom and knowledge of understanding.
Otiji who ministered for the first time in years at CHS, Awka appreciated the Vicar, and Archdeacon, Ven.Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu for yielding the pulpit for him to preach after a long while he has served in the Church, even as he thanked the wife who is the Vice-President Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild and Girls Guild, CHS Awka Archdeaconry, Barr Chioma Egwuonwu for her motherly care.

Reverend Otiji reminded that other gifts from mankind may be tagged and still perishes but that of God which is the gift of Jesus Christ is freely given and never perishes but remained joyful, relevant and graceful in the lives of Christians.

He described Jesus Christ as God’s all time gift to mankind, thus whoever truly believes, expects upliftment, open doors and unmerited favours.

Reverend Augustine Otiji spoke on the topic “God’s All time gift to mankind”, which he used to illustrate numerous God’s unfailing love and mercy towards mankind, urging Christians to give their life to Jesus Christ always.

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Reverend Dr Nnaemeka Ezeonyi Cautions Priests
As well, the Priest Assistant, Church of The Holy Spirit Awka, Reverend Dr Nnaemeka Ezeonyi as part of January Universal week of prayers, warned servants of God and His worshippers to stop dymstyfying God by their actions and inactions.
Reverend Dr Ezeonyi speaking on the theme ‘God’s servant and His Mission’, reiterated that mission of God in one’s life inspires the vision for God’s calling, but insisted that both mission and vision belonged to God, hence,needless to abuse God’s purpose in our lives.

He pointed out that servants of God have no mission of their own but God’s hence when God elects a man to serve Him, he puts a mission and a vision unto His servant. He as well encouraged servants of God to stop applying their own steps while serving God but God’s steps, vision and mission for their calling.

He used the story of Prophet Elijah to manifest how servants of God manifested God’s mission and vision in the olden days while John the Baptist reflects how some men of God manifest now but cautioned that some men of God may one day manifest like Prophet Elijah if provoked to or God sanctions that.

The Universal week of prayer ended today, even as Reverend Engr. Chijioke Anaemena, attached to Federal Science Technical College Chapel, Awka presided over the Sunday worship.

And by January 19th, 2025, the Church of The Holy Spirit shall begin it’s Covenant week that shall end on 26th January, 2025. The public is invited.

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