By Obianuju Enujioke
The Anglican Communion, Diocese of Awka, on July 12, held its Trinity Diaconate Ordination Service at St. Lawrence Anglican Church, Mbaukwu, with a charge to newly ordained deacons to remain faithful and committed to fruitful ministry.
The service was presided over by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim.
Delivering the ordination charge, the retreatant, Ven. Onyinye Okpala, urged the deacons and the congregation to embrace “fruitfulness in the ministry,” drawing his message from John 15:1-5 and John 15:16.
Okpala described Jesus Christ as the true vine, stressing that enduring success in ministry could only be achieved through a steadfast relationship with Him.
“Fruitfulness is not by noise or title, but by abiding in Christ. The world is watching in this age of technology. God has called you to bear fruits in season and out of season,” he said.
He cautioned against what he termed “expired oil ministry” and encouraged the newly ordained deacons to remain devoted to prayer, the study of God’s Word and selfless service.
The candidates were presented by the Archdeacon, examined and admitted into the Holy Order of Deacons through the laying on of hands by the bishop, assisted by other priests.
As deacons, they are expected to assist in the ministries of the Word, the Sacraments and Christian charity as they begin their ordained service in the Church.
The ordination attracted clergy, church leaders, family members and other well-wishers from within and outside Anambra State. It concluded with a thanksgiving service, goodwill messages and a reception in honour of the newly ordained deacons.
Obianuju Enujioke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
