Maduako Igbokwe l Saturday, April 11, 2020
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Anglican Communion, Bishop Alexander Ibezim has urged Christians not lose hope in God, but that they should be steadfast in prayers at this trying period of COVID-19 pandemic.
Ibezim gave the advice in his Easter message, as Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate the 2020 Easter celebration.
According to Alexander Ibezim, despite the fact that the 2020 Easter will be celebrated in empty churches and empty markets, and in some climes, empty cities, Christians must be prayerfully and have hope in God, saying that this is a time for Christians to show that they are not wavering in faith.
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“There are no treats, but lamentations and complaints in all fronts. Christians are in the greatest test of their faith ever with the coronavirus pandemic as it is happening during the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The question is why should coronavirus be happening when Christians are celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection after crucifixion on the cross and death.
Shall Christians loose hope for this? Not at all! It is a time to show that our faith is not wavering, because we must give thanks for the resurrection of Christ. I charge Christians to see this Easter as a time of renewal and awakening. Let me reiterate that this Easter brings us hope on the mercies of God.
“This Easter has renewed our hope for tomorrow. It is a time to remember that Jesus Christ died that we may live. And, I charge you as a Christian, whatever you do, remember that Jesus Christ died for you. Honour him always by your actions and inactions”he said.
According to the Archbishop , last year Christians celebrated Easter in grandeur, unfortunately, this year, they will celebrate it in a quite and solemn way due to the current situation. He also called on Christians faithful to repent from their shortcomings and sins as well as prepare themselves for the returning of Christ Jesus.
” Let’s not waver in spreading joy and happiness in our areas of residence and beyond, during this Easter amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
Brethren, I charge you to “Love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength” Ibezim urged.
He further stated that since Palm Sunday, diocese of Awka worshipped via technology and on Easter , shall still have same virtual worship Online, radio and television.
“At a time like this Churches were shut to control the spread of the coronavirus. Services look different with some embracing technology to get their messages out like we did in Awka diocese and so many others did too. However, the focus is on Christ Jesus! Though the methods of worship changed , messages remained the same which is that Jesus is Lord. Remember, God’s ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ is laying His life down for his people. That was the greatest expression of love ever” he said.
Shockingly, he said the world is becoming united even in the fear, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing the world together to fight its debilitating impact.
“It is as well bringing families together against what was obtainable before the pandemic, even though people were forced to be at home”he said
