By Emeka Odogwu
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev Dr. James Olusola Odedeji has urged all ministers of God to reflect the light of God in their actions and conduct, not only on the pulpit.
The Bishop gave the charge at the 2025 Trinity Priesthood Ordination held on St. Peter’s Day at St. Michael’s Anglican Church Egbeda, Lagos.
The solemn and spirit-filled service presided by the Bishop, witnessed the ordination of three new ministers: The Revd John Abiodun Lerry, The Revd Ezeh Isaiah Obi and The Revd Godwin Okechukwu Fredrick into the Holy Order of Priesthood.
In his charge to the newly ordained priests, the Bishop reiterated the sacred duties of their calling and the diligence that is required to function in the office.
“As Priests, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed, the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to fashion your life in accordance with it’s precepts”.
The Bishop added, “You are to love and serve the people, care for all, declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners and pronounce God’s blessings to all.”
Preaching the sermon titled “Come, Follow Me” drawn from Matthew 4:19 the Dean of the Cathedral, the Venerable Ebenezer Adewole, charged the ordained priests to embrace the calling of priesthood with unwavering obedience and humility, just as Peter and the early disciples did when called by Christ.
He reminded them that the call to priesthood is not one of convenience, but of sacrifice, discipline, and lifelong commitment to shepherding the flock of Christ.
“Just like Peter, you have been called to leave behind comfort and familiarity, to embrace the demands of kingdom service,” Ven. Adewole said.
“The Church is not looking for perfect men, but willing men, who are teachable, obedient, and led by the Spirit of God.”
Bishop Odedeji, who was joined by other clergymen, including the retired bishop of Ilesa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Sowale and the Bishop of Egba West, Rt Rev. Oludele Ogundeji, led the laying of hands and prayers of ordination for the ministers, to officially induct them into the priestly office after an oath of allegiance to God and the Church was administered on them by the Chancellor of the Diocese, the Hon. Opeoluwa Ogunade assisted by the Registrar, Mr Bambo Adesanya, SAN
In her congratulatory message to the newly ordained priests and their wives, the wife of the Bishop, Dr. (Mrs) Lydia Olukemi Odedeji prayed for God’s presence upon their ministry and charged their wives to embrace the calling together.
“I am confident that God will continually uphold them and support their ministry in the church. More importantly, we will continue to encourage their wives to be beacons of light with motherly care and support.
The service, marked by hymns, liturgical processions and thanksgiving was attended by clergy and laity from across the Diocese, including families of the ordained priests and invited guests.
The priesthood ordination service which comes few days after the diaconate ordination for deacons, is in furtherance of the church’s vision to be the leading diocese in the Church of Nigeria with sound doctrine and evangelical expansion.
