Primate Tasks Newly Ordained Ministers On Sacrifice, Doctrinal Integrity

Primate Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has called on the newly ordained deacons and priests to embrace sacrifice, evangelism, and unwavering doctrinal integrity to foster nation-building.

Most Reverend Henry ​Ndukuba gave the charge during the Diaconate and Priesthood Trinity Ordination Service held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja.

​According to him, the family remains the bedrock of society, and strengthening it is crucial to overcoming the multi-faceted pressures currently facing the nation.

​“You are being sent not to titles, but to souls. Your first parish is the home. If you strengthen families, you will strengthen the nation.”

​The Primate admonished the new clergy to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, act as worthy ambassadors of the church, and uphold the dignity of the nation through sacrificial service.

​He also expressed appreciation to the visiting dignitaries, the legal team, the house of clergy, and families who turned out in large numbers to support the ordinands.

​In his sermon, the Preacher at the service, Rt. Rev. Manasses Okere, Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, reminded the ordinands that the priesthood is a call to faithfulness and self-denial rather than fame and self-promotion.

​“The altar is not a place for self-promotion, but for self-denial. As you are ordained today, be men of prayer, men of the Word, and shepherds who smell like the sheep,” Okere said.

​He noted that the Church currently needs leaders who will courageously stand for truth, promote unity, and intercede fervently for the burdens of the populace.

Highpoints of the service included cross examination of the candidates, administrative and canonical oath-taking, and the laying of hands.

​A total of 10 deacons and 14 priests were ordained during the Trinity Sunday service, which was attended by clergy, families, and members of the Anglican Communion in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

​The service concluded with special anointing and prayers for the newly ordained ministers to succeed in their deployment across the country, as well as intercessions for peace and stability in Nigeria for the remaining half of 2026.