By Emeka Odogwu
The 3rd Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Awka Anglican Communion has ended last Sunday in praise at St. Mary’s Anglican Church Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Just as the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD has appreciated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his government’s efforts in providing adequate security and all round development in the state.
Archbishop Ibezim encouraged people of the state to instead of castigating those in power, to always support and pray for them for good leadership and better society.
He encouraged citizens to speak positively about Nigeria. Drawing parallels to patriotic phrases like “God bless America” and “God bless the King” in Thailand, he urged Nigerians to adopt a similar mindset of national blessing.
The Eucharistic Thanksgiving Service, themed “Repositioning the Church for the Future: A Focus on the Children’s Ministry,” was presided over by His Grace, the Most Rev’d Dr. Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese.
Preaching at the service, the guest speaker, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Andrew Ajayi, Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, urged parents to lead their children to Christ early. He emphasized the importance of instilling a prayerful life in children, stating that “a child of many prayers can never be lost,” and reaffirmed that prayer remains the key to a righteous and purposeful life.
Representing the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, Deputy Governor Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim KSP expressed the government’s appreciation for the warm reception given to the President during his recent visit to the state. He reaffirmed the state government’s reliance on divine guidance, noting that daily prayers before official duties have been a guiding force for the tremendous achievements within 3 years in office.
Highlights of the service included Holy Communion, special prayers for the state’s leadership, the cutting of the synod cake, and a colourful display by the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.
The event saw the presence of over 11 bishops and wives, about 30 venerables and wives, numerous clergy and their spouses, the Council of Knights and Ladies, the legal team, and members of the Anglican Community in Nri.
