In order to constantly meet the spiritual needs of God’s flock in Ihiala Anglican Diocese and beyond, two ordinands have been ordained deacons and two deacons made priests by the Bishop of the Diocese, Right Reverend Professor Israel Okoye.

 

Bishop Okoye also elevated and collated four priests of the diocese as Canons of the Cathedral and two others as Archdeacons.

In his sermon, the guest preacher and Anglican Bishop of Mbamili Diocese, Right Reverend Dr. Obiora Uzochukwu laid emphasis on the fact that everyone is called to God’s work of mystery at different levels and should not be left only for the ordained.

 

Bishop Uzochukwu charged Christians to push God’s ministry in any position or place they find themselves.

He also stressed the need for Christians to have a personal encounter with order to serve God truly and to do his enormous work of evangelism while charging the newly ordained and elevated to develop their capacity by engaging in constant prayers and work of faith.

 

Later in an interview, the host Bishop, Professor Okoye charged the newly ordained and elevated, to be faithful to God who would never fail them to bear fruits and grow in their ministries.

Venerable David Okafor who was collated as an Archdeacon of the Diocese, in his reaction said that it is a humble privilege to be called to higher responsibility and prayed that the grace of God would help him to discharge his duties and win more souls for Christ.

 

Others who were ordained or elevated including Reverends Chinedu Maduabuchukwu and Anthony Izundu expressed happiness for the responsibility of shepherding God’s flock in the Diocese and assured that they are equal to the task of living up to their responsibilities through the strength that Christ gives them.

A guest, Mr. Uzoewulu Mgbemena said that he has no doubt in the capacity of the newly ordained in helping the ministry handed over to them to grow while Mrs. Chioma Okafor, a wife to one of the newly collated Archdeacons promised that she will help her husband in doing the work of Christ through His grace not minding the challenges.

 

The event featured oath taking and collation rites, hymn rendition and thanksgiving by the newly ordained and elevated.