The Bishop of the Diocese of Ika, Anglican Communion, The Rt Rev’d Geoffrey Ekpenisi has urged Christians to continue to serve God and their communities with all their heart.
He made this call during his sermon at the retirement service of one of the clergymen in the diocese of Abuja, the Venerable Andrus Ukaejiofo which held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Gwarimpa, Abuja on Sunday 24th November, 2024.
Bishop Ekpenisi noted that retirement for a clergyman is a call to greater works.
He encouraged the retiring clergyman to not withdraw from friends, the Church, family and community as he thanked God for the grace of God upon his life and family through the years
In his remarks, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba praised the Lord for the life of the Venerable Ukaejiofo noting that since he knew him, he has been a very reliable Pastor and Shepherd. The Primate added that his official duties as a priest is what is ending administratively but the office and ordination as a priest continues till death.
Archbishop Ndukuba urged him to remain steadfast and not relent in his commitment to the Church as the Church and indeed the Diocese of Abuja will not forget his and his wife’s labor of love to the Church.
The Primate added that one of the projects to be dedicated in marking the 35th anniversary of the diocese of Abuja, which is a skill acquisition center donated to the women organization of the diocese was the brian work of Mrs Adefulure Orelope through the efforts of Mrs Ukaejiofo.
The retirement service of Venerable and Mrs. Andrus Nnaemeka Ukaejiofor was a remarkable celebration of service, love, and impact. The church auditorium was packed to full capacity with an outpouring of love that spoke volumes of their dedication to ministry and humanity.
The congregation included Three Bishops of Ika Diocese, Ikara Diocese and Ogori-Magongo Diocese, Clergymen, laity, family, and friends, all gathered to honor a couple whose lives exemplify devotion to God and His people. Tributes flowed like a gentle stream, recounting their unwavering faith, selfless service, and profound influence in their years of ministry.
Venerable Ukaejiofo was born on 30th November 1954 and was ordained as a deacon on the 6th of December 1998, Priested on the 3rd of October, 1999 by the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola.
