Pomp as Anglicans consecrate archdeacon

The dramatic inauguration service was officiated by the Bishop of Minna Diocese, Rt (Rev) Daniel Yisa. The most solemn part of the ceremony was the taking of oath by the new archdeacon. The mandate was read by Barrister Comfort Kolo who stood in for the Registrar of the Diocese, Barrister A. N. Yisa. The inauguration […]

The dramatic inauguration service was officiated by the Bishop of Minna Diocese, Rt (Rev) Daniel Yisa. The most solemn part of the ceremony was the taking of oath by the new archdeacon. The mandate was read by Barrister Comfort Kolo who stood in for the Registrar of the Diocese, Barrister A. N. Yisa.

The inauguration began with a drama. The archdeacon knocked at the door of the church calling, “Open the door for the servant of the Almighty God to enter.” The door was opened and he was led to the alter before the bishop.

One of the numerous priests present then spoke to the Archdeacon (according to Matthew 28): “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, even unto the end of the world.”

The Bishop equally charged the Archdeacon to be diligent in admonishing parents that they (parents) bring their children to baptism. The Bishop delivered to the Archdeacon (in company of his wife) his (Archdeacon’s) mandate and advised the Archdeacon to work hard and distinguish himself, stressing that the appointment is for two years.

According to the bishop, the certificate might be withdrawn if the Archdeacon performs below expectation. He prayed God to grant the Archdeacon the Grace to be a faithful dispenser of the holy word and sacraments.

The sermon was delivered by the Diocesan Missioner, Professor Emma Udensi. Udensi who teaches at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna dwelt on Ezekiel 22:30 which says, “I sought a man but found none.” The implication of this verse, he explained is, God needs people to work for him. He added that where there are no people to work for God, the people generally suffer.

The missioner pointed out that for lack of God workers, Israelites suffered under the Egyptians until Moses came. He stressed that because of lack of workers in God’s kingdom, the Philippines exploited the Israelites until the coming of Sampson.

Udensi charged those who sit as if there is no work to do to fill up vacancies in the kingdom of God saying, “there are many villages in the diocese without the Anglican church.” He emphasised the need for missionaries to go into the rural areas and get more converts.

Drawing example from the incident involving Samuel and Eli in the Book of Samuel, the preacher said as young Samuel found favour in the eyes of God instead of Eli who was a high priest, so also will priests and the laity lose their positions if they do not do as God expects.

Numerous choir groups took turns for their renditions and there was singing, dancing and thanksgiving by all. At the end of the service, the Boys Brigade did the traditional bishop salute.

Daniel who hails from Nuku in Abaji area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was ordained deacon and priest on 18th July 1993 and 10th July 1994 respectively. He is in charge of the Anglican Church of Ascension, Gauraka.

Parishioners described his elevation as the best thing that has happened to the church.