21/06/2026
BISHOP’S MESSAGE TO ALL FATHERS DURING 2026 FATHERS’ SUNDAY CELEBRATION:
Beloved Fathers,
Today I bring you very hearty and joyful greetings of Grace and Peace on this special day we celebrate the 2026 Fathers’ Day in our Church generally, and our Diocese in particular. Fathers are very unique and special gift to Families, the Church, and the Society. Fathers are pillars and beacons of hope for their wives and children. We celebrate you today because fathers are providers. Fathers are burden bearers. Fathers are ladders, and leaders, and feathers for their Children.
Fathers are worth celebrating because you are brave pain carriers, identity certificates for your family, sacrificers of your comfort to make your wives and children comfortable. God will surely bless all true fathers for your devotion to your duties in your families, the Church and the society at large in Jesus Christ Name. Amen.
However, as we celebrate this year’s Fathers’ Sunday, I deem it very expedient to admonish you on the topic: “True fatherhood: Abraham’s Example.”
It is an obvious fact and truth that not all fathers are true fathers in the light of the Bible standard of fatherhood. One cannot talk of true fatherhood without bringing Abraham, the father of Faith at the centre. A true father is that father who knows why he is a father, pursues his purpose of fatherhood, and fulfills his divine assignments as a father to his wife, children, family, society and God.
As a model of true fatherhood, there are core qualities, duties, and characteristics of every true father as exemplified in Abraham. They include:
a. A true father must exhibit unconditional obedience to God. (Genesis 12:1-4).
b. A true father carries his wife along in all things especially in the worship of God. (Genesis 12:5).
c. Every true father believes and trusts God in every situation and circumstances. (Genesis 15:1-6).
d. A true father often intercedes for his family consistently. (Genesis 18:20-33).
e. Every true father receives and establishes Godly Covenant for himself and family. (Genesis 17:9-14).
f. True fathers raise Godly, and God-fearing children through exemplary practical and visible Godly life and worship. (Gen 22:1-11).
g. A true father gives generously and sacrificially for God’s work, and God’s worship. (Genesis 22:11-19).
h. A true father is a consolation and encourager, and morale booster for his wife. (Romans 4:16-21).
I. A true father provides for his family. (Psalm 23).
Finally, true fatherhood begins with having and knowing God as your personal Father. No man can be a true father without having a Covenant relationship with the Perfect God and Father. Jesus Christ, the great shepherd gives us the Grace for True Fatherhood
May the God of all Grace and Mercy, graciously and mercifully bless all true fathers abundantly as you celebrate this year’s Fathers’ Sunday in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Happy Fathers’ Sunday, and a very huge Congratulations!!
Your Bishop and Fellow Father,
The Rt. Revd. Ephraim O. Ikeakor.