The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Orlu, at the Cathedral Church of Sts. Peter and John the Divine, Nkwere, under the episcopal oversight of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Benjamin C. Okeke, Bishop of the Diocese of Orlu, on 22 December 2025, held its ordination service, during which Rev. Chinedu Nmezi, a Canada based philanthropist and gospel singer, was ordained as a priest alongside others.
The solemn celebration commenced with a colourful procession of revered fathers, canons and clergy, setting a spiritual atmosphere for the sacred exercise.
The service attracted worshippers and guests from far and near, all gathered to witness the elevation of servants of God, with special focus on the priestly ordination of Rev. Chinedu Nmezi, whose journey in ministry has continued to inspire many within and outside the diocese.
Before the ordination proper, the sermon was delivered by Ven. Kingsley Nwosu, the Clerical Synod Secretary and Retreatant, on the topic “Behave Well in the House of God,” taken from the Book of Second Timothy.
He explained that the Church of the Living God is the true church and the property of God, established on a strong and unshakable foundation.
According to him, the church was manifested in the flesh and justified in the Spirit, stressing that no human effort can corrupt the church of God because of its divine foundation.
Ven. Nwosu emphasised that the presence of the Angel of the Lord in the church takes account of the behaviour of believers, urging worshippers, especially the newly ordained priests, to conduct themselves with reverence and godly discipline.
He recalled Apostle Paul’s counsel to Timothy on how the church ought to be, describing the church as the pillar and ground of truth.
The preacher warned that while some people come to church and leave with blessings, others may leave with condemnation, depending on their attitude and conduct in the house of God.
Addressing the newly ordained priests, Ven. Nwosu admonished them to remember the family of Eli, who displeased God by honouring his sons above divine instruction.
He further appreciated His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Benjamin Okeke, for his transformational leadership, noting that the bishop has impacted the church both physically and spiritually.
Drawing lessons from biblical characters such as from the sons of Rechabites, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Daniel and others, he highlighted faithfulness and good conduct in the house of God as virtues that sustain ministry. He encouraged the ordained ministers to work hard like soldiers, strive like athletes and endure suffering as members of the body of Christ, while finding practical ways to move their churches forward.
It was revealed that those ordained were recognised based on their faithful years of service to God and the church, with none of them lobbying for ordination, including Rev. Chinedu Nmezi.
Speaking to the ordained, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Benjamin Okeke, charged them to be ready to die for Christ and to bear fruits worthy of their calling. He reminded them that to die in Christ is gain, urging them to live prepared lives anchored on faith and obedience.
Presiding over the ordination service, the bishop addressed each order according to their responsibilities. To the deacons, he explained that their duty is to assist the priests in serving the church and the needy, all to the glory of God. He prayed for divine strength and wisdom upon them, while the congregation also joined in prayers on their behalf.
Addressing the priests and their wives, the bishop stated that their primary duty is to preach the gospel of Christ in love and to strengthen the body of Christ unto salvation. He charged them to pray continually for the gift of the Holy Ghost to enable them discharge their duties faithfully. He further encouraged them to grow daily according to the rules of God and to work in unity with the deacons for the edification of the church in their various parishes.
The high point of the service was the oath taking by the newly ordained ministers of God, marking their full commitment to the priestly calling.
Speaking shortly after his ordination, Rev. Chinedu Nmezi told journalists that his elevation to the priesthood was the work of God. He affirmed that the priestly ordination to him, serves as a renewed motivation to do the work of God with greater commitment and dedication.
He used the opportunity to remind believers that the call to ministry is a call to service to God and humanity. According to him, everyone should emulate Jesus Christ, who devoted His life on earth to preaching the gospel and serving humanity selflessly.
Also speaking, his wife, Mrs. Vivian Nmezi, pledged her full support to her husband in every way possible to ensure that the work of God prospers in his hands. She encouraged other pastors’ wives to stand by their husbands and support them in the service of God and humanity.
The ordination ended with thanksgiving to God for finding the ordained faithful and worthy to stand in the gap between God and man. It also featured the making of deacons, the ordination of priests, the installation of canons and the collation of archdeacons.
Dignitaries present at the ordination included a former Minister of Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajuba, traditional rulers and other notable personalities. The cathedral auditorium was filled to capacity, with worshippers drawn from the Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri Dioceses.
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