Enyindah, Ebirien, Wike underscore importance of appreciation

• As Bishop Ebirien Holds Last Synod
The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of Ikwerre, Most Rev. (Dr.) Blessing Enyindah, has urged Christians to show gratitude to God Who has shown His marvellous love and grace to mankind.

Speaking on the theme: “A Grateful Heart,” Enyindah, who was the guest preacher at the second Session of the 24th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta held at St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt, Bonny Archdeaconry Headquarters, enjoined everyone including house helps, drivers, choristers, the clergy to appreciate God.

He said: “The Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ralph Ebirien, who had served the Diocese for 12 years and would be retiring on May 12, 2022 should be appreciated. Children, family members should show gratitude to one another.”

He disclosed that the theme of the synod came against the background that despite the retiring Bishop’s health challenges, he was able to preside over his last Synod, adding that if Niger Delta Diocese does not show gratitude to God it will replicate the 10 lepers that Jesus Christ healed and only one returned to appreciate Him.

The President of the Synod and Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ralph Cornelius Ebirien, in his charge, described a grateful heart as the heart that appreciates, loves, will continue to thank God, celebrates and counts on God alone in anticipation of what He will do.

The Bishop enumerated the benefits of a grateful heart as well as the demerits of ungrateful heart, adding that gratefulness can be shown by obedience, worship, genuine repentance, tenderness and giving benevolently.

Ebirien who charged Christians to give without being compelled, stressed that a grateful heart is what is needed now as a nation, especially with so many uncertainties.

The retiring Bishop of the Niger Delta charged delegates to be grateful to God, saying: “If we are grateful to God, He will pour more blessings on us and also give us peace. Avoid personal interest, and work for the unity of the diocese. Let us live as brothers and sisters and serve God with gratefulness.”

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, thanked God for His intervention in all state affairs.

The Synod also prayed about the nation’s economy and security situation. It also created a Parish and an Archdeaconry to take off from May 5, 2022. They are: St. Paul’s Church Okoroboile in Andoni Archdeaconry and Kalabari Toru Archdeaconry with Headquarters at St. Andrew’s Church, Bakana.

Bishops who attended the synod included Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese/Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah; Bishop of Okigwe, Bishop of Okrika, Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia; Bishop of Ahoada, Rt. Rev. Clement Ekpeye; Bishop of Ogoni Diocese, Rt. Rev. Solomon Gberegbare; Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocese, Rt. Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo; Ogbia Diocese, Uyo Diocese, Niger Delta West, Northern Izon, Evo, Rt. Rev. Precious Nwala of Etche Diocese, among others.

• The Ven. John E. Ubulom is the Clerical Synod Secretary of the Diocese of Niger Delta.