Archbishop Ibezim ordains 15 Priests, 5 Deacons In Awka

Glorifies God for Bishop Agbo's twins 18 years after marriage

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu

The testimonies of the Anglican Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Enugu Province, Right Reverend Aloysius Eze Agbo (JP) and his wife, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbo (JP) and the circumstances that brought about their twins, Gift and Marvelous, became the highest point of the Advent Ordination of Priests and Deacons in Awka Diocese, presided over by The Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, JP, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka.    

 Archbishop Ibezim, who narrated the blessings of God upon Anglicans and particularly the Anglican Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Bishop Agbo and wife, Ifeoma, who were married and had no child of their own for 18 years before God blessed them with twins, had the congregation erupt in joy, tapping from their blessings.  

Ibezim told Christians that there is nothing God cannot do for His children if they trust and believe in His mercies and grace which is sufficient. 

He lauded Bishop Agbo's in-law who was ordianed priest at the occasion, Reverend Emmanuel Ike Nnamani for toeing a good path in  journey of priesthood so far. 

Earlier, Archbishop Ibezim assisted by Bishop Agbo ordianed 15 Priests  and five Deacons at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka Anambra state.

Performing the ordination, the Anglican Prelate tasked the ministers to proclaim by word and deed  the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as fashion their life in accordance with the principles of the Anglican Church.

He urged them to be dispensers of  the word of God to nourish the people as well as strengthen them to glorify God in their life.

"As priests, it will be your task to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts."

Delivering a sermon  on

"Deacons and Priests as Ambassadors of Christ," Ven David Ezeobi, the Archdeacon of Mbaukwu Archdeaconry, described  ambassadors of Christ as senior representatives of Christ wherever they are. 

Highlighting duties of an ambassador, Ven Ezeobi who is the Advent Ordination Retreatant/Preacher quoting Hebrews 5 verse 4 stated that an ambassador of Christ is he who represents Christ and whose priority is to preach Christ who was crucified. He said ministers are called to preach to sinners to leave their sinful life and to pray to lessen the burdens of Christians.

Ven Ezeobi further warned that ministers are not encouraged to use the gospel as business as experienced in society presently but must stand firm to preach the undiluted gospel . 

He reminded that  ministers may not receive fat salaries for their services to God but assured that the blessings that await the minister that serves God well is enormous even as they have security that is divine and which surpasses every other form of security.

"As ambassador of Christ we are encouraged to dedicate ourselves to Christ. When we neglect our calling, the owner will advertise our calling.

Ven Ezeobi said that God has called ministers to serve him in truth and in humility. Quoting 1st Corr  1 & 2, he said it is required of those who are designated as ambassadors of Christ to be found faithful in the lord. 

"We are ordained to teach in humility and with love. We should be diligent in the study of the word of God so as to deepen our spirituality. The most important gospel we should preach is about our life outside the church premises and life after here on earth.

"We are expected to be agents and vessels of peace wherever we find ourselves. Not ministers who will go into the society and preach gospel of fear."

He encouraged ministers to be joyous in the service of God, adding that the moment a minister begins to complain in the services of the lord, the  blessings of the lord will start to elude such minister.

Among the Priests Ordained by the Archbishop  included: Rev'd Chukwukadibia Nwachukwu Obi, Rev'd Gabriel Chukwuemeka Ezeud, Rev'd Basil Goodness Ozoemena Chizamekpere, Rev'd Emmanuel Ike Nnamani  Rev'd Afamefuna Chidiebere Udeh, and Rev'd David Okechukwu Okpalo.

Others were Rev'd Christian Chinonyerem Ibekwe, Rev'd Philip Chukwuagozie Nzekwe, Rev'd Andrew Ndubuisi Okorie, Rev'd Onyekachukwu Matthew Onochie, Rev'd Linus Chukwudike Okeke, Rev'd Godwin Nzubechukwu Mbachu, Rev'd Bethram Ikenna Igwebuonu, Rev'd Christian Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, and 

Rev'd Chinedu Chijioke Okoli.

Among the ordained  Deacons included: Ord Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Nzeakor, Ord Felix Chijioke Etokwudo, and Ord Chinedu Tochukwu Okoroafor. 

Others were Ord Foresight Chindo Umejiaku and  Ord Samuel Ozichukwu Nnaemeka Iloka.

The Advent Ordination of Priests and Deacons was attended by President, Mothers' Union, Women's Guild and Girls' Guild, Diocese of Awka and Province of the Niger, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim, traditional rulers and captains of industry had Sir Pharm George Ezenwa-led diocesan choir performing at their best and Ven Clement Mgbemena, Ven Rex Kanu, PhD and Ven David Ezeobi assisting His Grace, Archbishop Ibezim while Ven Christan Okafor assisted Ven Ezeobi as a Retreatant.

The ordination featured presentation, examination and administration of oaths of allegiance to God and  against homosexuality  and bisexuality as Supritendend by the legal officers of the Diocese led by the Chancellor, Honorable Justice Sir Okechukwu J. Okeke. 

 People's Democratic Party Governorship aspirant and former Commissioner for Environment, Anambra state, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, in an interview, tasked the new priests to live above board and meet the high expectations of society having answered the call to serve God.

Responding on behalf of others, Reverend Bethram Ikenna Igwebuonu of St Stephen's Church, Mgbakwu and wife Nneora Christiana Ekene Igwebuonu, reassured they won't miss the gospel and business as they will serve the gospel of God undiluted, and as well serve Him in truth and humility. 

For Revered Linus Chukwudike Okeke of St Mary's Church Ukpo and wife Nneora Mercy Chinenye Okeke, they were speechless as Rev Okeke when asked how it feels being elevated said: "Hahaha...God is faithful", pledging to be faithful to God's calling always.

For Reverend Emmanuel Ike Nnamani of Church of the Holy Spirit Awka, and wife Mrs Juliana Nnamani, with the grace of God, they will continue to do exploits in His vineyard to glorify His name always as His Ambassadors. 

As well , Reverend Chukwukadibia Nwachukwu Obi of Our Saviour's Church Awka, and wife  Nneora Ukamaka Fidelia ; Reverend Godwin Nzubechukwu Mbachu of Immanuel Church Ukwulu and wife Nneora Ebelechukwu Mbachu nee Nwosu of Nise; Reverend Afamefuna Chidiebere Udeh of All Saints'Church Awka and wife Nneora Comfort Ezichi, as well as Reverend Mathew Onyekachukwu Onochie of St Peter's Church Amawbia, and wife Nneora Blessing Onochie , they were delighted for God's blessings and grace to attain the Ordination of priesthood.