Two canons have been collated Archdeacons and thirteen other priests installed canons of the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith by the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, the Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim.
The priests before their elevation were exposed to the demands and responsibilities of their new mandate especially in fulfilling the diocesan’s mandate on mission and evangelism and discipleship.
They were administered with the oaths of allegiance to God, canonical obedience, and submission against homosexuality and bisexuality by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Justice O J Okeke.
Speaking at the event, Archbishop Ibezim charged them to preach the undiluted word of God to bring those in darkness back to Christ.
In a goodwill message, the Methodist Bishop of Awka, Right Reverend Onyekachi Nwakanma also advised the newly promoted priests to embark more on missions to expand the work of God.
Earlier in a sermon, the preacher, retreatant, and Archdeacon of Awka Archdeaconry, Venerable David Ezeobi while speaking on the topic “Church workers and the missionary mandate”, said the great commission is a compulsory assignment to every child and encouraged the laity to always support the priests and call their attention when they feel they have erred instead of resorting to writing petitions.
Speaking shortly after the service, some of the newly collated and installed priests, Venerable Gilbert Nwankwo, Reverend Canons Edwin Enemuo, and Sunny Okechukwu-Davis thanked God and Most Reverend Ibezim for the elevation, promising to hold unto their vows all through their lives.
The wives of the two newly collated Archdeacons were also decorated as the Vice Presidents of the Women’s Ministry by their President, Dr Mrs Martha Ibezim.
Presentations of certificates, special prayers, and decorations were some of the highlights of the event attended by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu.
(absradiotelevision)
