10/07/2026
ππ¨πππ π πππ₯ππ¦π§-πππ‘π§ππ₯ππ π£ππ₯ππ¦π, π₯ππ©'π. πππ‘. π’π₯πππ ππππ₯πππ¦ π‘ππͺππ¬ π’π₯ππππ‘ππ ππππ₯ππ¬
ππ₯ππ―ππ§ ππ₯ππ«π ymππ§ πππ¦π’ππππ π’π§ππ¨ ππππ«ππ ππ«πππ« ππ¬ ππ’π¨πππ¬π π¨π ππ€π«π’π€π ππ¨π₯ππ¬ πππ¬π ππ«π’π§π’ππ² ππ«ππ’π§πππ’π¨π§ πππ«π―π’ππ
The Diocese of Okrika, Anglican Communion, on Saturday held its 21st Trinity Ordination Service, during which newly ordained priests and deacons were charged to build Christ-centred parishes by prioritising faithful service, spiritual growth and the advancement of God's kingdom over personal ambition.
The solemn yet colourful service took place at St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church, Fimie-Somiari Ama, Port Harcourt, attracting clergy, church leaders, parishioners and guests from across the diocese.
The ordination marked a significant milestone for the Diocese as it was the sixth conducted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Okrika, the Rt. Rev'd. Dr. Enoch Atuboyedia, JP, during his sixth year in office. The Bishop reaffirmed the Diocese's commitment to raising faithful ministers dedicated to the work of Christ and the growth of the Church.
During the service, nine deacons were admitted into the Sacred Order of Priests. They are: Rev'd. Owutamunopiri Iniworikabo, Rev'd. Erasmus Thomas Owunari, Rev'd. Asime Monday Kiri, Rev'd. Nelson Bipiseiyanama Johnwill, Rev'd. Samuel Fiberesima Okuru Jr., Rev'd. Igbikiowubo Blessing, Rev'd. Steven Imabibo, Rev'd. Briggs Promise Minanyo, and Rev'd. W.O. Lucky Akah.
Also ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons were Tamunoseimiebi Brown Walter and Precious Adimohoh Juboye, marking the beginning of their ordained ministry.
Preaching the ordination sermon on the theme, "Effective Parish Ministry," Rev'd. Canon Charles Orala Davies challenged the newly ordained clergy to remain committed to God's assignment and focus on building Christ-centred parishes rooted in sound biblical teaching, humility and selfless service.
Drawing from Acts 20:24, 2 Timothy 4:5 and Colossians 4:17, the cleric explained that ministry is often misunderstood as the exclusive responsibility of ordained ministers. He noted, however, that Scripture recognises both the ministerial priesthood and the priesthood of all believers, stressing that every Christian has a role to play in advancing the Gospel.
Canon Orala further explained that the ministerial offices outlined in Ephesians 4:11β12 were established for the edification of the Church, adding that the primary responsibility of ordained ministers is to equip believers for effective Christian service.
Defining the theme of his message, he described "effective" as producing the desired result, "parish" as the basic territorial unit of a diocese, and "ministry" as service to God and humanity. He reminded the congregation that Christian ministry extends beyond the walls of the Church, encouraging believers to see their workplaces and daily engagements as platforms for fulfilling God's purpose.
He urged the newly ordained clergy to concentrate on the mission entrusted to them rather than the size or status of their congregations, warning against entering ministry with personal ambitions or financial expectations.
According to him, ministers are called to nurture, protect and care for God's people as faithful shepherds, describing parishioners as spiritual children entrusted to their care by God
The ordination featured prayers, the laying on of hands, the presentation of Bibles and other symbols of ministry, followed by thanksgiving and joyful celebrations by families, friends and well-wishers.
The ceremony reinforced the Diocese of Okrika's vision of strengthening the Church through faithful leadership and effective parish ministry while commissioning the newly ordained priests and deacons to proclaim the Gospel with dedication, humility and unwavering commitment to the service of God and humanity.
