THE ALL SAINTS PARISH of the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM) commemorated on Sunday 5th November 2017 their feast day with a remarkable ceremony. The service also included the ordination of four deacons into priesthood.
The newly ordained Priests are: Reverend Selwyn Hou, Reverend Noel Sanau, Reverend Jabez Akao and Reverent Oxley Ahuikela.
Prior to Sunday service, there was confirmation service for one hundred and ten candidates (young boys and girls) whom received the sacrament of confirmation on Saturday evening and received their first Holy Communion that evening.
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend George Takeli presided over the confirmation of the new candidates and the ordination of the four priests.
Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita the Right Rev. Rickson Maomaoru and his predecessor the Right Rev. Alfred Hou also took part in this Service.
Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Honourable Rick Hou; guests from the World Vision Solomon Islands; Choirs, relatives and visiting family members and friends of the newly ordained priests from the Southern region of the Diocese of Malaita as well as in Honiara joined the All Saints parishioners to witness this memorable event.
Sharing the word of God to a parked Church this morning, Archbishop Takeli, who is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia said the celebration of laying hands on the newly confirmed children and the Ordination of our four new Priests today reflects the true celebration of our feast day.
“Our Gospel reading today reminds us to renew our commitments and lives with God”, he said as share from Mathew’s Gospel chapter 5 verse 1 – 12.
“God is inviting us to a new covenant of Hope for the future,” he said.
“Priesthood is not an isolated calling; you are given the choice to listen to a call in which you respond to. And that comes with a duty, and that is to look after and look for the people who need Jesus in their lives,” Archbishop Takeli said as he prepared to ordain the four Priests.
He also reminded the Priests who attended the service to be strong and faithful in their role as Priests in their respective areas of work.
“It the Priest is strong and renewed, the Church will also become strong and renewed;” the Archbishop reminded the Priests today.
He also called on the church members to uphold and support the work of these newly ordained priests and the newly confirmed children in prayers.
Speaking on behalf of the four Priests; Rev. Jabez Akao acknowledged the confidence and support rendered to them by the Diocese of Central Melanesia, their respective Parishes and their families and friends.
He also acknowledges the Vicar General of the Diocese of Central Melanesia Rev. Philip Rongotha for guiding them through in their retreat session with the possible strengths and challenges they will face in their Mission as Priests.
The day’s program ended with feasting and colourful entertainments.