By Chidex Onyemah
The international chairman of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), and Archbishop, Christ Holy Church International, Most Rev. (Dr) Daniel Okoh, on Saturday, March 6, 2021, ordained 79 ministers to priesthood.
The ordination service was held at the Christ Holy Church International Central Cathedral, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of River state.
Giving his sermon, the archbishop, said the newly ordained priests were called to priesthood to fight against false teachings, uphold and teach the faith without fear.
Okoh decried the level of immorality across the world, which, according to him, is now being justified by so many preachers. He urged the newly ordained to preach the principles of the Holy Bible and not allow themselves to be deceived.
“We are living in a world where homosexuality, lesbianism is being promoted; A world where liberty and freedom is not guided by the principles of the Holy Bible. This same time, 79 priests were ordained to uphold the faith and teach the faith, fearlessly, boldly and courageously”
“This is not a time to look at faces before saying the truth, not a time to gather wealth but a time to fight false teachings ” he said.
The OAIC leader assured the newly ordained of his unflinching support to their various ministries. He said, “after your ordination today, we will not leave you to yourselves, we will continue to encourage you”.
Also speaking, the head, Women and Children’s Department, Mrs. Ngozi Okoh, thanked God for the success of the ordination and tasked the newly ordained priest to listen to God’s voice alone.
One of the newly ordained priests and the first to be ordained, Rev. Chukwudi Dike, said the ordination was a manifestation of God’s grace and never by his might. He thanked God for counting him worthy, while promising to discharge his duties diligently.
He prayed God to help them carry out their duties well, so the church authorities would have more confidence in assigning them leadership positions to the youths.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Central Chairman of the Youth Fellowship, Dr. Smart Aguba, lauded the leaders of the church, for appointing a large number of youths as new priests, noting that the church has grown to a very great height.
High points of the event were the priestly consecration and thanksgiving session, choral renditions, cultural dance exhibitions, among others.