The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged newly ordained deacons and priests to promote unity, peace and love among Christians and Nigerians, describing the family as the foundation of a stable and prosperous society.

Speaking during the Diaconate and Priesthood Trinity Ordination Service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, on Sunday, Ndukuba said strengthening families remains critical to addressing the country’s social, economic and moral challenges.

The Primate said the Church ensures that only candidates found worthy in character and conduct are admitted into the ordained ministry.

He urged the newly ordained clergy to model their personal lives and families after the teachings of Jesus Christ and remain committed to sacrificial service.

“As priests, you are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring for the young and the old, the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor. You are to preach the Word of God, declare His forgiveness to penitent sinners and pronounce His blessings,” he said.
“You are being sent not to titles, but to souls. Your first parish is the home. If you strengthen families, you will strengthen the nation.”

Ndukuba said a deacon is called to serve God by caring for the poor, the needy, the sick and those in distress, while also strengthening the faithful, reaching out to the indifferent and proclaiming the Gospel.

He charged the ordinands to be diligent in studying the Holy Scriptures and pursuing knowledge that would make them effective ministers of Christ.

According to him, priests must uphold the doctrines of the Christian faith as received by the Church of Nigeria, observe the discipline of the Church and show due respect to constituted authority.

The Primate further urged them to lead lives of sacrifice, bold evangelism and unwavering doctrinal integrity as part of their contribution to nation-building.

He admonished the clergy to emulate Jesus Christ in their ministry, serve as worthy ambassadors of the Church and uphold the nation’s values through selfless service.

Ndukuba also appreciated the visiting dignitaries, members of the clergy, the legal team and the families of the ordinands for their support and presence at the service.

In his sermon, the guest preacher and Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Manasses Okere, reminded the newly ordained ministers that priesthood is a calling to faithfulness, humility and self-denial rather than personal ambition.

“The altar is not a place for self-promotion but for self-denial. As you are ordained today, be men of prayer, men of the Word and shepherds who smell like the sheep,” Okere said.

He stressed that the Church needs leaders who will courageously defend the truth, promote unity and intercede fervently for the nation and its people.

A total of 24 clergy—comprising 10 deacons and 14 priests—were ordained during the service.