Orlu Diocese celebrates 32nd anniversary

The Anglican Diocese of Orlu, last Sunday celebrated her 32nd anniversary at the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and John, the Divine Nkwerre, Imo State, amidst solemn pomp and pageantry.

In his charge at the occasion, the Archbishop and Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Bennet C.I. Okoro, PhD enjoined Christians to make evangelism and soul-winning their priority.

He recalled that Orlu Diocese was inaugurated on November, 6th 1984 by the pioneer Archbishop and Primate of Nigeria, Most Rev. Timothy Olufosoye assisted by 16 Bishops including the then Archbishop Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, late Most Rev. Benjamin Nwankiti at the St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Nkwerre.

Most Rev. Okoro expressed thanks to God for the spiritual and physical growth of the Diocese, praising the pioneer bishop of the diocese, late Rt. Rev. Samuel Ebo for what he termed his magnanimity towards the actualization of Orlu Diocese.

He disclosed that the diocese has given birth to five more dioceses including Oru, Okigwe, Isi-Mbano, Okigwe South and Ideato.

On the other hand, Bishop Okoro added, Orlu Diocese has grown to 18 Archdeaconries, namely Cathedral Deanery, Nkwerre, Orlu, Orlu North, Amike, Nwangele and Nwangele West.

Other Archdeaconries are Orlu West, Ishishi, Orsu, Orsu North Central, Njaba, Njaba South, Njaba North, Orsuihiteukwa, Ihioma and Owerre Njworji/Umudi as well as 47 parishes.

Other achievements of the Diocese at 32 are the establishment of the Diocesan Printing Press (Ezinna Eccesia Press), Ezinne Table Water, Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools as well as training of Priests, in the Theological Colleges.

The diocese also has a Diocesan Church Centre (DCC) headed by a Canon as rector.

Archbishop Okoro showered praises on late Sir John Anyaehie for single-handedly erecting the massive and picturesque Cathedral Church of SS Peter and John, the Divine and handing it over to the diocese.

In his sermon at the service, Rev. Can. Iyke Egbeonu from the Diocese on the Niger, urged Christians to invest in God's Vine yard to attract His blessings.

In attendance were the Chancellor, Hon. Justice Goddy Anunihu, KSC, the Deputy Chancellor, Chief Magistrate Lady Grace Chukwunyere, the Diocesan Registrar, Barr. Alias Ogekusi, KSC, and the Diocesan Counsel, Barr. Okolie J.O. Okolie, KSC.

Others include the Diocesan Legal Secretary, Dame Barr. Joy Okeke and the Legal Officer, Ven. (Barr.) Obum Onyioha, the Lay Synod Secretary, Sir Billy Gershon Ukwuoma, the Diocesan Accountant, Sir John Iheanacho and many parishioners from the parishes and stations.