Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim on Wednesday called on all Christian faithful to deepen their relationship with God, reconcile and repent from their sinful nature.
Special Church services and mass were also celebrated in some Churches to mark the beginning of the Lenten season which is Ash Wednesday.
The Archbishop, made the call in a sermon at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, where he said that Ash Wednesday reminds Christians of their sinful nature in which Christ came to reconcile them with God.
Most Reverend Ibezim who is also the Bishop Diocese of Awka, whose theme centered on ‘possessing the land, recovering our lost possession’ said that Christians should use this season to meet God in secret to deepen their relationship with him.
He frowned at the high rate of bloodshed in the society and reminded Ministers of God to sit up and work out their ministry as well as always be sincere and honest.
The Anglican Prelate further asked all Christians to confess their iniquities so that God will listen to their prayers and address their challenges according to their petitions.
The service attracted all the clergy and their wives in the Awka Diocese who came to mark the Ash Wednesday with the Archbishop.
Adding, the Chaplain of Divine Mercy Chaplaincy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Reverend Father Justin Ezechukwu said during the Ash Wednesday, God is reminding each and every one to embark on a mission, give alms and pray ceaselessly.
Reverend Father Ezechukwu who stated this in a homily during a special mass to mark the beginning of the Lenten season said that the moment calls for sober reflection and humility before God.
He encouraged Christians to flee away from sin, abstain from those things that do not please God, love their neighbors and make sacrifices for others.
