… Archbishop Ibezim charges Christians not to lose focus due to coronavirus
… Bishop Ezeokafor calls for commitment to serving God
… Obiano says Easter offers hope to humanity
By Ndu Chris Nwannah, ATM Guest Writer
The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim has urged Christians to use the challenges posed by he COVID-19 pandemic to increase their faith and relationship with God.
Most Reverend Ibezim stated this in his Easter message to the Awka Diocese and the Province on the Niger.
He said the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ when the pandemic was on the increase was enough for the Christendom to truly embrace the authority of God in all endeavours.
The Archbishop regretted that COVID-19 had changed the mode of religious worship due to precautionary measures taken to avoid its spread. He however noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ still had the same message of hope, life, liberation and beautiful future for citizens.
He expressed happiness over global united action aimed at curtailing the spread of the virus. Most Reverend Ibezim charged political leaders across the globe, especially in Nigeria, to provide easy access to medicare and ensure transparent management of stimulus packages for citizens.
He appreciated medical workers who put themselves at risk to ensure the treatment of patients. The Archbishop urged those undergoing pains due to decisions taken to control the virus to be strengthened by the collective battle, which he said was in the best interest of all.
In his Easter message, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, advised Christians to use the period of the coronavirus pandemic to further commit themselves to the service of God.
Bishop Ezeokafor urged the faithful not to entertain fears over the recent reported case of the virus recorded in Anambra State, noting that God was in control to arrest the situation. He said it was important for people to recognize the reality of COVID-19 and embrace measures to surmount it.
Most Reverend Ezeokafor urged the faithful to adhere strictly to all standard measures put in place to promote the containment of the virus, while also praying that God would intervene to control the situation.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, while delivering his Easter message, said the threat of the coronavirus pandemic cannot take away the beauty and victory associated with Easter celebration.
The governor, who delivered his message in Awka, called for prayers and supplications to God to help the nation and the global community overcome the challenges of the virus.
The Governor said that the feast offered hope to mankind and asked the faithful to demonstrate the true meaning of Easter by reaching out to the vulnerable ones in their midst with help. He emphasized the importance of social distancing in the fight against the dreaded virus.
