The Bishop on the Niger, The Most Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, has held the second phase of the Trinity Ordination. Nwokolo, who on July 18, 2021, ordained 18 deacons at the Basilica of St. Andrew Onitsha and nine priests, also collated three Canons and three Archdeacons during his second 2021 Trinity Ordination at the All Saints Cathedral Onitsha on August 1, 2021.

The Ven. Mike Okoh; The Ven. Dr Eric Anozie and Ven. Ikechukwu Egbonu were collated Archdeacons, while The Rev. Canons Cornelius Eze; Godwin Chiezie and Dr. Cajetan Anuforo were collated Honourary Canons. Those ordained as priests were The Rev Chibueze Egbogu; Engr. Izuchukwu Madu; Samuel Nneji; Chukwuemeka Nwafe; Somtochukwu Nwafor; Charles Nwankwo; Frank Nweke; Mbanefo Okongwu and Abel Chukwuanonye Okoye.

The new priests, Canons and Archdeacons, prior to their ordination and collation, took the Oaths of Belief, Submission to Synod of the Diocese on the Niger, Canonical Obedience to the Bishop on the Niger, Submission to Church Discipline and Allegiance to God. The new Canon also took the Oath against Simony.

Nwokolo was assisted by the Bishop of Jalingo, The Rt. Rev. Foreman Nedison, who conducted the Retreat for the ordinands and preached the sermon at the service. The Bishop of Ife East, Rt. Rev Oluseyi Oyelade and Bishop of Nnewi, Rt. Rev Ndubisi Obi, were also at the service.

Preaching on the theme: “Faithfulness in Service,” Bishop Nedison, who took his text from I Cor. 4:1-2, urged the newly ordained ministers to be faithful in their devotion to God and to their wives, as well as to their calling and Kingdom assignment. He described faithfulness as giving one’s best, both when he is not in charge and when he is given the least assignment. He said faithfulness is measured by how a person works with what is small, enhancing and increasing it. Faithfulness, according to him, is also evident in an undivided loyalty towards God and constituted authority, as well as in consistency of good character.

“No matter what the devil has done in your life, if he has not touched your character, he has not touched your destiny. Whatever you lose for upholding your integrity will be restored one day,” he said.

Nedison, who added that faithfulness is God’s benchmark for evaluating every service, said: “Every service we render in this kingdom is noted and evaluated by God, and the yardstick used for the evaluation is faithfulness. God is not coming to reward the successful, but the faithful. There are so many men on collar. Some are busy looking for God, but God is looking for the faithful. Many have skills, academic qualifications; speak in tongues and cast out demons, but the faithful are scarce.

They are also scarce in different spheres of life, including politicians, workers, and drivers, among others. But when they are found, they are taken to the rare positions of life. There are many competent people who will never rise because they are not faithful.”

The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, among others, graced the well-attended service where Knights and their ladies, the Gideon On the Niger (GON) of the Diocese, the Boys and Girls Brigade, the clergy wives spiced the day with their regalia and special uniforms.