The Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, has urged ministers of God to emulate Jesus Christ in holiness and righteousness, and shun all forms of ministerial distractions.

 

The prelate made the call at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, during a special service to mark the 2023 Maundy Thursday.

The special service was held to commemorate Christ Passover Feast with his disciples and to re-enact Christ’s ministry of service.

 

In his speech, Archbishop Ibezim, reminded ministers of the principles of growth in the ministry, and to carefully study their Bible, teach and preach the word of God and heal the sick as it is their duties to do so.

He explained that ministerial distractions can be spiritual or physical, and if not properly treated, can drive away their focus from propagating the gospel of God.

 

The celebration was also a moment for the priests of the diocese to rededicate themselves and renew their vows to God before the Archbishop.

Administration of oath of canonical obedience, submissions, allegiance to God and oath against bisexuality and homosexuality by the diocesan legal team on the priests, climaxed the occasion.

 

The special service also featured consecration of Chrism Oil and washing of feet of priests and their wives by the archbishop.