By Ifeoma Ikem
The African Church Cathedral in Lagos was filled with joy and reverence as families, members, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the elevation of 10 Canons as Archdeacons. His Eminence, Julius Olayinka Osayande Abbe, Primate of the African Church, urged the newly elevated Archdeacons to remain loyal to Christ and the Church, and to be grateful to God for their elevation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Elevation Service, Primate Abbe emphasized that the Archdeacons had worked diligently and deserved their elevation, saying, “Let your life be an offering to God.”
He described the elevation service as a significant ceremony, marking the culmination of their patience and hard work.
Abbe reminded the ministers to embrace their calling with humility, passion, and a readiness to serve, citing Jesus’ words that “the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few.”
He urged them to remain committed to God’s work and to be loyal to the authority of the Church.
Yeye Annah Afolabi, Protem Lay President of the church, advised the ministers to serve with humility and care for people, saying, “History is being made today. They should not feel that they can do whatever they like because they have been elevated, but should have the spirit of God in their minds and serve according to the words of our Lord.”
Chief (Mrs) Toyin Lajumoke, Hon. Vice Lay President, Arch Cathedral Province, described the elevation service as a day that the Lord has made, saying, “This has proven that the Church of God is moving forward.” She charged the newly elevated ministers to follow the sermon as given by Bishop Tunde Bamigboye, which advised them to shun worldly mindset, serve God with humility and focus on moving the Church forward.
The Primate and other church leaders expressed their confidence that the newly elevated ministers would continue to serve the Church with dedication and commitment.
