Lagos – The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev’d. Nicholas Okoh, has advised three newly-ordained Bishops of the church to be diligent in prayer and stand firm in the Lord.
Okoh gave the advice on Sunday while ordaining some Venerable as Bishops at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Venerable ordained as Bishops were Ven. Isreal Okoye as Bishop of Ihiala; Very Rev. Akinpelu Johnson as Bishop of Lagos Mainland; and Ven. Abel Ajibodu as Bishop of Ile-Oluji.
He urged them to be dedicated to the things of God and to see to both spiritual and physical welfare of their members.
“What we charge them is to be diligent in prayers, to be strong, monitor their environment and stand firm in the Lord till the end.
“They should have a good relationship with God, avoid distractions and trust in the unfailing power of God,’’ Okoh said.
The Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, urged the newly-ordained Bishops to go forth and proffer solutions in times of difficulties and uncertainty.
“They are there to impact on the nation and to preach the gospel to which they have been called. They are men that have been tested and so they have been trusted by their past records.
“Their antecedents have buttressed the fact that they are all genuinely called and they have done so well in recent years,’’ he said.
The Archbishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Ikechi Nwosu, in his sermon urged the newly-ordained Bishops to be fruitful in their ministerial duties and to be more focused in things of God.
Nwosu urged them to be reminded that their duties belong to God; hence they should look up to God in whatever they do.
“They should seek support from God and not man, when they are in trouble. They should not play on the word of God; they should stand on the doctrine of the church and be faithful to their calling.
“I congratulate them because out of many, they were called to serve God among men. Your service is to the people.
“You must be ready to serve God. You will need to minister undiluted gospel.
“When many of our members are discouraged, be there to encourage them,’’ he said. (NAN)