By Jude Ehebha – Ekpoma
Diocese of Esan, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has held Christmas party for its clergymen and families in Ekpoma, Edo State.
The event, which held at the premises of the Archbishop’s Palace, Ujoelen-Ekpoma, also involved some retired priests.
Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, was on ground to present gifts to children of clergymen, just as retired clergymen were presented with cash and bags of rice for Christmas celebration.
Bishop of the Diocese and Archbishop of Bendel Province, Rev Friday Imaekhai, used the event to challenge the priests to be more dedicated to their pastoral work, noting that unlike secular jobs, the work of clergy is a difficult.
Imaekhai called on them to do the job with enthusiasm and happiness, advising them never to allow members notice wrinkles of anger or frustration on their faces.
He also admonished them to resist the temptation of deviating from scripture, regretting that the gospel was being bastardized by prosperity pastors in Christendom.
In a sermon, one of the diocesan priests, Rev Canon John Oghogho, stressed on unity among priests and charged them to support a falling priest to recover, rather than rejoicing at his down fall.
He prayed for sustained growth and advancement of the diocese, and called on all to support the realization of the objectives of the church.
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