The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, has ordained five new priests and two Deacons in the Anglican Communion.
Archbishop Ibezim performed the exercise to mark the 2021 Michealmas ordination of priests and deacons of Awka Diocese, at Saint Faith Cathedral Awka, Awka South Local Government Area.
The new priests are Reverend Emmanuel Nzeakor, Felix Etokwudo, Chinedu Okoroafor, Foresight Umeajiaku and Samuel Iloka while the deacons are Obiorah Ibezim and Peter Nwachukwu.
They are from Church of The Penticost Ukpo, Saint Paul’s Parish, Nimo, Saint Paul’s Church, Oboro-Umueze Ogwa, Immanuel Church, Ezinifite Aguata, Saint Simon’s Church Parish Ezinifite and Saint Lawrence Church, Mbaukwu respectively.
During the ordination process, Archbishop Ibezim called on the newly ordained priests to intensify work of evangelism together with their Bishop and fellow clergymen and to participate in the councils of the Church.
He reminded the new deacons to serve the church of God and assist the priest under whom they serve in leading the worship of the people, especially in the administration of the holy Communion.
Earlier in a sermon, the retreatant Venerable Nnamdi Emendu, who spoke on the theme “Be diligent to know the way of your flocks and look well to their kids” charged the ordained to always win souls for God and know the God they worship.
Venerable Emendu, who regretted the level of societal decay, insecurity, social violence, killings and drug abuse attributed it to neglect of the gospel of God by the society.
Also speaking, the President Mothers Union and Women Guild, Province of the Niger, Mrs. Chioma Ibezim, urged the wives of the new Priests and Deacons to support their husbands in the course of propagating the Gospel of Christ.
Speaking on behalf of new Priests and Deacons, Reverend Samuel Iloka and Peter Nwachukwu while expressing their joy, promised to use their energy both physical and spiritual in the spread of God’s Gospel.
The Anambra State Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, the Diocesan Legal team led by Vice Chancellor O.J Okeke, and Knights and Ladies of the Church were present at the event.
Oath of canonical obedience, submission and allegiance to God were taken by the newly ordained.