SYNOD: Be Loyal to Christ, Be Loyal to Your Ordinary – Bishop Okupevi | ClipTV Online

The 35^th SYNOD which commence on May 5 at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos has come to end with prevailing instructions. The service was filled with clergy men across Lagos State to celebrate this epoch event. The 35^th SYNOD 3^rd edition ended on May 8, 2024 with a resounding theme: Preach the Word, Be Prepared in Season and out of Season. This year SYNOD Edition not only welcome the clergy men but also laity from across the State. 

Synod

ClipTV Online can report that SYNOD which gather the clergy men, taught the doctrine of Christ and the principles of the Anglican Diocese.

The Chief Host Rt. Rev. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi (Lagos Diocesan Bishop) charge the clergy men to be upright in all they do. He underscored the importance of teaching true doctrine and not slide away as some preachers do.

Bishop Okupevi Charges

Bishop Okupevi embolden all to be missionaries, that fishers of men (FOM) should be part of their suffix henceforth, “this is what God said I should declare you to be”, he said.

The Bishop also encouraged the audience to be mindful of their actions at all times, ensuring their attitude does not stand in opposite of the Diocese interest. “All Members should protect the interest of the Diocese of Lagos, the Diocesan”, he continued.

Bishop Okupevi in his statement warned church members who serves in public offices to be diligent in all they are engaged, citing that many take advantage of others. “Be loyal to Christ and be loyal to your ordinary”, he reinforced. He promised that the Lord will be with the clergy men and the laities as they truly embark on the work of the Lord.

The Bishop conclude with an invocation of blessing upon all attendees of the 35^th SYNOD.

Christian’s Lifestyle

In an interview with our correspondent, the Lagos Diocese SYNOD Secretary, Venerable Segun Ladehinde highlight this year’s SYNOD as a climax charge to all Christians. He mentioned that Christians needs to have deeper feelings for the less privileged. “Basically the SYNOD this year, is about a renewed charge to us as Christians to have deeper feelings about people who are not as fortunate as we are”, he said.

“If we carry this as Christians and take it to the larger society, we realized that whatever position we occupy, particularly public offices we will understand that it is a privilege for us to occupy those positions. We occupy them on behalf of the people, so whatever we do, must give joy to the people. We must serve the people rather than trampling on the right and privileges of the people”

Public Office and Religion

Venerable Ladehinde remind Christian’s public officers that if the populace could not challenge them, there is Almighty God that will serve verdict after death. He reminded all that God is supreme over the affairs of humankind. That He will judge the world according to their works, especially Christians who served in public offices.

Finally, the Venerable clarified the theme of the SYNOD: Preach the Word, be Prepared in Season and out of Season. He stated that the theme means no one can select how to be children of God, Christians “have to be children of God at all situations”. “As Christians whereas there is much wickedness around, we must not retaliate”, he continued.

“Rather, we must do everything within our power to show the love of God to those engaged in evil, so they could change and become the children of God”, he concluded.

Chief Olusola Ijitimehin, Bishop Appointee, express his appreciation to God Almighty for the success of the 35^th SYNOD. The Bishop appointee thank the Lagos Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Okupevi for his tenacity to make this a success.

He then encouraged the clergy men to support the county and government with prayers. However, he also stimulate the clergy men to speak up when needed especially at a time when citizens are struggling. “All our priests, particularly the ones at the top should be able to speak through to government, we can support the government with prayers. Nevertheless, we should be courageous enough to tell them how the people are feeling”, said.

Conclusion

“The priests should communicate the impressions of the masses to the government not only giving the accolades exclusively when things are really tough.

The 35^th SYNOD has been one of the most effective and efficient symposium for the clergy men. It address the challenges faced by Christians generally, the government and members of the public.