PHOTOS: Day 1 of 17th Synod of Diocese of Ilesa....Reported by Agunbiade Joshua

 

The first session of the seventeenth synod of the Diocese of Ilesa started today Friday 12th May, 2023 at Christ Anglican Church, Erin - Ìjèsà. 

The Diocesan with the guest preacher, The Rt. Rev. John U. Aruakpor (Bishop of Diocese of Oleh) had earlier visited the tomb of Pa. Gabriel Kumuyi Akinfenwa, the father of Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, the founder of Deeper Life Bible Church built by the diocese at the church cemetery.

The synod with the theme: God reigns in the affairs of men, led by the Diocesan, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Folorunsho Asaju started with the service of Holy Eucharist and the processional hymn; CON Hymnal 394.

After the processional hymn was the dedication of the church hall, Christianah Olaosebikan Akinleye Memorial Hall donated by Mr John 'Toso Akinleye in memory of his late mother, the immediate past Iya Ijo of the church.

The ante-communion was led by the Diocesan, The Rt. Rev. Prof. 'Dapo Folorunsho Asaju. The Old Testament, Daniel 4:1-18 was read by the Chancellor, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe. The psalm, chanted. The Epistle was read by Ven. A. T. Ajayi and the Gospel by was read by Rev. I. I. Falope.

While delivering the sermon, the Rt. Rev. John U. Aruakpor, Bishop of Oleh Diocese appreciated the Diocesan Bishop for bringing him to Ijesaland to learn and be part of the synod. He equally appreciated Mr. John 'Toso Akinleye for donating a gigantic hall to the church in memory of his late mother.  

Bishop Aruakpor affirmed that God is aware of everything that happens to mankind and that the life we love is spiritual. Though Nebuchadnezzar was carrying out the agenda of the devil when he gave instruction to throw the three Hebrew men into the lake of fire but God showed His mighty power because He reigns and rules in the affairs of men. 

He said men ought to look to heaven and that whatever man possesses, it's because God gave it to him. He stated unequivocally that human beings are like leaves that wither and perish but God never change. 

He therefore enjoined the people to submit to God and see the works of God.  

The Nicene Creed to Prayer was led by the Provost of the Cathedral, Very Rev. D. I. Fadugba while the Most Rev. Abiodun Taiwo Olaoye, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan celebrated the Holy Communion.

The 70th birthday thanksgiving of Oba Hezekiah Owolola, Adimule of Ifewara also came up in the service.

The opening service was brought to a close with the hymn; It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart.

In attendance were Bishops and Archbishops as follows: 

1. Most Rev. A. T. Olaoye - Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan

2. Most Rev. Dr. E. A. Ademowo Rtd - Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria

3. Rt. Rev. Dr. S. O. Sowale - Retired Bishop of Ilesa

4. Rt. Rev. Prof Obijole - Retired Bishop of Akoko and Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan

5. Rt. Rev. Abel Ajibodu - Bishop of Ile Oluji

6. Rt. Rev. Tunde Popoola - Bishop of Ibadan South

7. Rt. Rev. J. A. F. Olusola - Bishop of Ijesa North

8. Rt. Rev. A. O. Fabuluje - Bishop of Oke-Osun

The Official opening continued with the reading and launching of Bishop's Charge by individuals, dignitaries and archdeaconries.

Delegates then proceeded to lunch after which group discussions took place then dinner which brought the activity of the first day to a close.

PHOTOS CREDIT-

DIOCESAN MEDIA TEAM