By Eric K. Amoh
Bolgatanga, June 27, GNA – The Anglican Diocese of Tamale at the weekend ordained two transitional deacons as part of their preparation for full-time priesthood in the Diocese.
The ordination service, officiated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Tamale, the Right Reverend Dennis Dabukari Tong, featured the presentation of the ordinands, the declaration by the deacons, the administration of the oath by a legal officer, and the pledge of canonical obedience to the Bishop.
The ordinands, Messrs Peter Awentiirim Amaachaab and Jacob Jabuni Joseph Danaa, are parishioners of Saint Michael and All Angels Anglican Church at Sandema in the Upper East Region and Saint Matthew’s Parish at Zagyuuri in the Northern Region, respectively.
The two ordinands are transitional deacons and are expected to return to Saint Nicholas Seminary in Cape Coast, Central Region, to complete their priesthood training before being ordained as priests.
Preaching the homily, the Very Reverend Joseph Justice Bain-Doodu, Dean of Saint Nicholas Seminary, urged the ordinands not to place themselves above members of their congregations.
“You are bridges and carry the weight on you; therefore, you must see yourselves as servants and not masters,” he said.
He explained that priesthood is a vocation dedicated to the service of God and requires humility, compassion, and a willingness to sacrifice for humanity.
“Yours is not a career. What the Church decides for you is final. You can’t go on strike to demand better conditions,” he told them.
The Dean encouraged the ordinands to serve diligently and avoid competing with parishioners over worldly possessions.
“You must serve the congregation. Your task is to notice the things that people overlook. As priests, you can’t afford to overlook these things,” he said.
Very Rev. Bain-Doodu noted that bishops do not create a new class of religious professionals, stressing that every baptised Christian is called to serve.
“We are all called to serve as Christians. The deacon is not a substitute for service. The Church is diaconal,” he said.
He added: “The young person who resists despair and chooses not to lose hope is doing diaconal work.”
He commended the families of the ordinands for supporting them in answering God’s call, saying they had made significant sacrifices for the Church through their sons.
He also urged members of the congregation to continue praying for the newly ordained deacons.
“Pray for them. They will need your honesty more than they will need your praise,” he said.
The Bishop presented the newly ordained deacons with copies of the New Testament Bible, symbolising their calling to reflect the teachings of Christ and the mission of Christianity to the world.
He further urged the Church community to lead exemplary lives and remain committed to serving humanity in accordance with Christ’s teachings.
The Bishop also expressed gratitude to the Dean of Saint Nicholas Seminary for delivering the homily.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
Repoerter: Eric Amoh
Reporter’s Email [email protected]