THIRD SESSION OF THE SIXTH SYNOD OF AGUATA DIOCESE

From Thursday 25th May, 2023, the headquarters of Aguata Diocese of the Anglican communion will temporarily relocate to Igboukwu for the third session of the sixth synod of the Diocese being hosted by Igboukwu community at Holy Trinity Parish, the headquarters of Igboukwu Archdeaconry.

The synod which will last for three days will be presided over by the Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor, JP, Ph.D, Ambassador of Peace.

Synod is both an event and a process where the clergy and the laity gather to discuss important matters of the faith. During the synod of any diocese, far reaching decisions aimed at moving the diocese forward are taken; laws governing it are made and obsolete laws and policies are either jettisoned or repealed to be in line with present realities.

Diocesan synod is divided into sessions for effective deliberations and the age of any Diocese can easily be ascertained through its Synod sessions. This means that Aguata Diocese has clocked 18 since it is holding the third session of its sixth synod.

According to the clerical synod secretary of Aguata Diocese, Venerable Decency Chine, JP, this year’s synod will feature series of activities which will enrich the spiritual needs of the host community, their friends, neighbouring communities, synod delegates and other invitees.

According to the clerical synod secretary of Aguata Diocese, Venerable Decency Chine, JP, this year’s synod will feature series of activities which will enrich the spiritual needs of the host community, their friends, neighbouring communities, synod delegates and other invitees.

According to the schedule of the synod, Thursday 25th May will be the arrival and registration of delegates to be followed by an opening service at the synod venue by 2pm. Thereafter, the president of the Synod, Bishop Ezeofor, his wife, Chinyere, Diocesan officials and a detachment of synod delegates will go on a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Igboukwu, Igwe Alexander Azike, Idu the third of Igboukwu.

On Friday 26th May, the Bishop will present his charge by 10am, followed by the launching of the charge while on Saturday 27th May is the recongition of those who contributed immensely towards the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth titled “Heroes of Faith” Award which will commence by noon.

The 2023 Aguata Diocesan Synod which has its theme as “Divine principles of transformation III: Stewardship”, carefully chosen by Bishop Ezeofor under the guidance of the Holy spirit will be rounded off on 28, May being Pentecost Sunday, with Thanksgiving service and fund raising for series of development projects going on in Aguata Diocese. The Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Right Reverend Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP will be the synod guest preacher.

Aguata Diocese since its inauguration in 2005, has continued to record monumental achievements in infrastructural development, education and Health sectors. It hasn’t failed in the spiritual upliftment of its parishioners, youth and women empowerment, outreach programmes among others which are geared towards making the parishioners economically independent and in touch with their creator. For instance, the newly launched Gosifechukwu Microfinance Bank, a brainchild of Bishop Ezeofor with the approval of the Diocesan Board and the support of Aguata Diocesan Business and Investment Committee has been opened for business at Ekwulobia the seat of the Diocese with reputable individuals as board members. Apart from business

transactions, the establishment of the bank by Aguata Diocese has contributed immensely to the ongoing efforts by the government to reduce the unemployment rate among the youths by providing direct employment and in addition assisting those in petty trading in its catchment areas with loan facility to expand the coast of their various businesses.

For their support and immense contributions, the Aguata Diocesan Women’s Ministry under the leadership of Mrs Chinyere Hulder Ezeofor, JP needs to be commended for their support to the Diocese through series of programmes and outreaches. Our prayer is that the good Lord will continue to strengthen and enlarge their ministry.

The hosts of the synod, Igboukwu embraced CMS in 1908, through the instrumentality of Joseph Umenweni from Umuezemuli Kindred of Ngo village. Since then, the gospel of Jesus Christ has continued to spread like wild fire in the community which has led to the building of many churches and schools in area.

Igboukwu Anglican community can boast of eight churches at the moment. They are Holy Trinity Parish -the headquarters of Igboukwu Archdeaconry, Saint Barnabas, Saint Peters, Saint Stephens, All Saints, Church of the Pentecost, Saint Andrews, Mount Zion Church and New Covenant Church. Igboukwu Archdeaconry is housing Lampada Community Children’s Home managed by the Diocese.

So as Igboukwu Anglican community hosts the third session of the sixth synod of Aguata Diocese of the Anglican communion, the Archdeacon, Venerable Emma Nwankwo, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, and Sir Arinze Iloh have reassured of making the synod a memorable outing.

On behalf of Aguata Diocese and the Central Synod Planning Committee led by Sir Agochukwu Okpalaoka, we are wishing all the synod delegates successful deliberations.

Aguata Diocese …Lampada Christi!

Written by    ABUCHI NWOZOR