By Praise Chinecherem
Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev Owen Nwokolo has urged the twenty-nine ordained Deacons to continually stir up the gift of God in them to make Christ known to all people.
He also charged them to diligently carry out the pastoral works assigned to them.
Bishop Nwokolo gave the charge during the Trinity ordination at the Basilica of St. Andrew, Onitsha which attracted people from various walks of life.
According to the Prelate, a Deacon is called to serve the church, and to work with his members in caring for the poor and look out for people with various challenges in order to guide them aright.
Earlier in his sermon, titled, “When You Pray”, Ven Izuchukwu Obiekwe in charge of Diocese On The Niger Church Centre, spoke extensively on mood and mode of prayers and actionable prayer points which he said hinged on acceptability, collegiality and true spirituality.
He challenged the ordained to work towards converting and bringing back people to Christian faith.
Speaking separately, Archdeacons of the Diocese, Ven Ikechukwu Ihetumge and Elochukwu Ojukwu while congratulating the new Deacons encouraged them to depend on God in order to withstand the challenges of the ministry.
Some of the newly ordained Deacons, Revs Ifeanyichukwu Ekeka and Chukwuebuka Nwaisaac who were visibly excited expressed willingness to serve the church and humanity.
Bishop Nwokolo who ordained the Deacons after taking the oaths, gave each of them New Testament, letter of order and license before they were presented to the church by Archdeacons of the Diocese where they were examined by the Bishop and administered with different oaths guiding their office by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Sir Nnamdi Ibegbu SAN.
Litany of the ordination, prayers and thanksgiving featured during the ordination.
