By Emeka Odogwu
The Bishop, Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, Right Reverend Dr. Owen Nwokolo had on Sunday June 22, 2025 ordained 33 priests as ministers to serve in the vineyard of the Almighty God.
Rt Rev Dr. Nwokolo, who presided the ceremony had while taking the candidates through the rites of the ordination subjected them to various oaths of allegiance.
He urged them to be faithful and dispenser of the Word of God and of the Holy Sacrament as well as do their prophetic and priestly work according to the order of Christ.
Bishop Nwokolo charged the new priests to always stand firm for the Gospel and preach fearlessly not minding situations.
They were told that their calling was a full serious ministry that demanded the sacrifice of their entire life.
The new priests pledged to be loyal not only to Christ, the Church and the bishop but also to lead holy and undefiled lives.
In a 25-minute sermon during the ordination held at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, a senior priest in the diocese, Ven Chigozie Anieto, made the charge reminding the new ministers of the vagaries he said were inherent in the ministry.
According to him, they are likely to encounter in their ministry, which he said commenced at the moment of ordination, seemingly discouraging experiences such as loneliness, despair and unbecoming attitude of those trusted.
Ven Anieto who also doubled as the retreatant to the candidates however encouraged them not to be dismayed by such experiences adding that with prayers and firm focus on Christ they would be triumphant.
He said that irrespective of any apparent apprehending discouragement, they were expected to consistently preach the Gospel without fears at all times.
“You must proclaim the word fearlessly and must not massage their ego. You are not called to fame but for sacrifice”, Ven Anieto bluntly told the new ministers.
Highpoints of the ordination were the solemn presentation of the Holy Bible and the chalice to each of the new priests.
