………Honours Past Leaders, Reaffirms Commitment to Service ……….
It was a season of joy, thanksgiving, and reflection as the Owo Anglican Diocese of the Anglican Communion marked its 43rd anniversary with a grand celebration held at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola, Owo.
The anniversary celebration featured a special thanksgiving service alongside the presentation of awards of honour to individuals who have contributed immensely to the spiritual growth, infrastructural development, and overall advancement of the Diocese over the past four decades.
Speaking during the service, the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev Ayodeji Fagbemi, expressed profound gratitude to God for how far He has brought the Diocese in its 43 years of existence. He described the anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving and sober reflection on the Diocese’s journey in evangelism, church planting, and community development.
Bishop Fagbemi, the fourth Bishop of the Diocese, paid glowing tribute to past bishops and leaders whose sacrifices laid a solid foundation for the growth of the Diocese. He also appreciated clergy, church workers, and faithful members whom God has continually used as instruments for the Diocese’s progress, urging all to remain committed to unity, accountability, and service.
In his sermon, Rt Rev. Dr. Rufus Adepoju, Mission Consultant at the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary (CGTS), Abeokuta, exhorted the congregation to remain steadfast in their Christian journey.
Preaching on the theme “Resilience in Faith”, with his text taken from Matthew 15:21–28, Bishop Adepoju drew lessons from the story of the Canaanite woman whose persistent and humble faith earned divine intervention from Jesus Christ. He noted that true faith is often tested through delays, challenges, and seeming rejection, but believers must refuse to give up.
According to him, resilience in faith demands perseverance, humility, and total trust in God, stressing that unwavering faith, even in difficult circumstances, always attracts God’s response. He urged Christians to remain resolute and confident in God’s promises, especially in times of trials.
Rt Rev. Dr. Adepoju also congratulated the Bishop, clergy, and entire members of the Owo Anglican Diocese on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary, describing the celebration as a testimony to God’s enduring faithfulness and the strength of the Church.
The colourful event attracted dignitaries from across the Diocese and beyond, including Royal Fathers, political leaders, captains of industry, senior clerics, and members of the laity, all gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness and sustaining grace upon the Diocese.
The celebration concluded with prayers, thanksgiving, and a renewed commitment by clergy and laity to uphold the legacy of faith, service, and community impact that has defined the Owo Anglican Diocese since its establishment.
