The Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, says Awka Diocese is poised to prioritizing evangelism, soul winning and preaching the undiluted Word of God.

 

Religion Correspondent, Amaka Okoye report that Most Reverend Ibezim, who is also the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, stated this at Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka during the licensing and commissioning of Diocesan Lay readers and rededication of Catechists and Church Teachers.

The event, which is the third since the Diocese was inaugurated in 1987, saw eighty persons who were chosen as Lay Readers swear to the oaths of canonical obedience and against homosexuality, and examined thoroughly before the House of Bishop, Clergy and the Laity before they were fully licensed.

 

Also, seventy-five Catechists and Church Teachers working in the Diocese were also rededicated during the service.

While commissioning the Lay Readers, Most Reverend Ibezim reminded them that they are called to serve the Church of God, work with the Clergy and other ministers, lead public worship, preach and teach the gospel, assist during Eucharistic celebration, and share in pastoral and other evangelistic works.

 

The Prelate maintained that the work of the ministry is the work of sacrifice, and charged Ministers of God to sacrifice themselves in the work of Christ in their parishes, just as he asked Parish Priests to assign more responsibilities to the Lay Readers so as to increase their effectiveness in reaching the unreached.

In a sermon during the special service, the Clerical Synod Secretary of the Diocese, Venerable Clement Mgbemena, said that the office of the Lay Reader is a dignified and important one and asked them to be strong and courageous as they will face many challenges.

He charged the new Lay Readers and all the Ministers of God to be beacons of light, stand in the gap to bring men closer to Christ, and deepen themselves in the knowledge and wisdom of God.

 

Speaking shortly after the service, one of the newly licensed and commissioned Lay Readers, Sir Arinze Obasi, said he has been serving in the church but now as a Lay Reader, he will serve more with renewed zeal.

The President, Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild and Girls Guild, Mrs. Martha Ibezim, was among the people that attended the service which featured special renditions by the Cathedral Choir.

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