By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, has within two weeks ordained 63 ministers. On Sunday, July 6, the diocese ordained 30 deacons at the Basilica of St Andrew, Odoakpu, Onitsha and had earlier ordained 33 priests at the All Saints’ Cathedral, also in the town on Sunday June 22, 2025.
In a spiritually charged service at the Basilica of St Andrew, the diocese had while commissioning the 30, solemnly charged them to guard their anointing against defilement.
Preaching on the theme, “Our Final Charge as We Release You”, a senior priest in the diocese, Ven. Chinedu Nnakwue, reminded the ordained that identity was always revealed in moments of pressure. He therefore warned them never to compromise their calling.
Emphasizing holiness, character, and integrity as the marks of true ministry, he told them, “Don’t be crooked in the way you do things. You are the voice of God on earth, live what you preach”, he charged them. The venerable also urged the wives of the ordained ministers to uphold modesty
The Diocesan, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, had in the course of the ordination subjected the candidates to formal oath taking during which time they pledged their allegiance to God, the Church and to the Diocesan.
Shortly after the ordination, the bishop presented the new ministers to the congregation. The Deacons were: Agbogu Obiora Izuchukwu, Ord.Awuzie Augustine, Ord. chibueze Chukwunonso Luke, Ord.Chinwuba Onah John Paul and others
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
