In Awka, Archbishop Ibezim Confirms 54, Admits 49 into Women's Guild and Men's Fellowship

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By Izunna Okafor, Awka

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Christians have been advised to embrace life of purity and holiness, irrespective of what goes on around them and in the society.

The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim gave the advice in his last confirmation service for the year 2021, held at Chapel of Redemption, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State capital.

Held on Tuesday, the well-attended service, which featured the confirmation of 54 confirmands from Anglican Church of Redemption Parish, Awka and Chapel of Redemption, Unizik, Awka, also featured the admission of 21 men into the Men's Fellowship and admission of 28 women into the Women's Guild of the diocese, by the Archbishop.

In his homily, the Archbishop, whose message centered on Purity, defined purity as a wonderful virtue and gift of the Holy Spirit, and further noted that one cannot go far in life without purity.

He said, “If you are not pure, you'll become an enemy of God; and no one who is an enemy of God can make progress. Purity is a wonderful virtue and gift.”

He referenced the biblical Joseph as a good example of one who understood the virtue of purity, which he manifested when he refused to sleep with Potiphar's wife — a trap set by satan to destroy his dream, destiny and future.

Citing Mathew 5:8 and Luke 24:49, the Archbishop, who emphasized that those who are pure shall see God, also revealed that Holy Spirit does not fall upon the wicked and the impure, but only upon those who are pure and ready to receive Him.

While cautioning people against the use of methamphetamine, popularly known as mkpụrụmmiri and indulging in other such things that make one impure; the Anglican prelate specially implore the confirmands and the newly admitted men and women to keep themselves pure, and never to be polluted by the things happening around them, where they find themselves, or the world's system in general.

In interviews with newsmen, some of the fathers newly admitted into the Men's Fellowship, Mr. Chibueze Ughalaa, Mr. Ifeanyi Okedinachi and Mr. Caleb Okechukwu appreciated God for the successful admission, and pledged to remain responsible and pure fathers in their respective families, and to also allow God to use them to advance His kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of others, one of the women admitted into the Women's Guild, Mrs Chinonso Ikwuemesi expressed her gratitude to God for the opportunity to be a member of the Women's Guild of the Diocese, even as she reassured to keep the laws of the Women's Guild, which all tend towards making one a Godly and responsible mother.

On her own part, one of the confirmees, Miss Chinemerem Joy Nnyigide (a primary-five pupil), who was also awarded a Holy Bible during the by Archbishop Ibezim, for her outstandingness, thanked their confirmation class teacher, Mr. Uche Uwaezuoke, her Parents, Mr. Sunday Nnyigide and Prof. Nkoli Nnyigide, and others who helped to prepare her and her colleagues for the confirmation. She also appreciated the Archbishop for his message and the gift of the Holy Bible, and promised to study the word of God daily, so as to live a pure and holy life, as was preached by the Archbishop.

The service attracted the wife of the Archbishop and President of Girls' Guild, Women's Guild and Mother's Union in Awka diocese and Province of the Niger, Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim; the Vicar, Anglican Church of Redemption, Awka, Ven. Obiorah Alokwu and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Mrs. Stella Alokwu; the Chaplain, Chapel of Redemption, Unizik, Ven. John Anyachebelu and his wife, Dr. Mrs. Anyachebelu; as well as Rev. Lucky Onebunne of the Anglican Church of Redemption, and his wife, Mrs. Chidubem Lucky-Onebunne, among other clergymen and their wives who graced the occasion.

Performances by the Redemption Choir and the Redemption Gospel Band also made the service a glorious and sonorous one indeed.

Photo credits: Sunday Nnyigide and Izunna Okafor