THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) consecrated the Reverend Rickson George Maomaoru as the second Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita (DOM) on Sunday 22 October.
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia the Most Reverend George Takeli led the consecration service Reverend Rickson to the office of a Bishop at the Diocesan Cathedral called Christ the King Cathedral at Fiu Village, Keava region, western side of Auki town.
A team led by Archbishop Takeli from ACOM Provincial Headquarters that includes the Senior Bishop of the Church the Right Rev. Nathan Tome who represented the other Diocesan Bishops. Representatives from various Church institutions in Honiara, the Melanesian Trust Board in New Zealand, Member of Parliament for East Areare Hon. Andrew Manepora’a, Premier of Malaita Provincial Government are amongst many others who came to witness the huge ceremony.
It was believed that more than two thousand people including three choir groups from Honiara namely, the Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral and Christ the King from the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM) and Selwyn College School Choir as well as choir groups and members of other sister churches in Malaita graced the day with melodious sounds.
The Right Rev. Sam Sahu, the Diocesan Bishop of Malaita (DOM) who preached on this service calls on his brother Bishop to uphold a balanced and holistic Mission in the Diocese of Malaita as he prepares to take on the office.
He also reminded the ordained leaders who attended the service of their purpose which is to maintain the unity of the faith in the bond of peace. Not only that, but to teach, train and empower people for the mission and ministry of the Church.
“What Police cannot do is to hold and share the Gospel. This is our job and it is where we as Church leaders comes in upholding peace and unity in our society, province and the nation at large,” The Right Rev. Sam Sahu reminded the newly consecrated Bishop.
The Diocesan Bishop of Malaita also urged the people of Arekwa and Southern regions and the Diocese of Malaita and the whole Anglican Church to support the new Assistant Bishop of Malaita he prepares to take on the office based in Afio, South of Malaita.
“I am looking forward to the new knowledge and talent you will render to our diocese”, Bishop Sahu said in his speech during feasting.
The Diocesan Administration of the Diocese of Malaita also acknowledges the presence of Archbishop and team from the ACOM Provincial headquarters and various Church Institutions and all other visiting guests for attending this important event in the Diocese.
Diocesan Secretary Anthony Maelasi also thanked those who have contributed through finance, food and other items towards this event.
“It is through your support that we have this day’s program a successful one,” the Diocesan Secretary said.
During speeches after the consecration service, Archbishop Takeli thanked the Diocesan Bishop of Malaita the Rt Rev. Sam Sahu and especially the retired Bishop the Rt. Rev. Raymond Aumae for accepting the call to look after Southern and Arekwa region of Malaita for the last nine months.
“I was greatly encouraged to see the presence of the Member of Parliament for East Are’are Constituency Hon. Andrew Manepora, the Premier of Malaita Provincial Government Hon. Peter Ramohia, members of other sister churches, Business houses, relatives and families who have shown your support to the newly consecrated Assistant Bishop of Malaita”, he added.
The Right Reverend Rickson Maomaoru also thanked the Archbishop and the leaders of the church and all who have rendered their support and attended his remarkable day.
“Our diversity in color and culture must merge in unity to praise God in the Mission and Ministry of the Church in the Diocese of Malaita and the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Malaita as a whole,” he said in his speech.
The day’s program ended with feasting and colorful entertainments.