THE Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim has banned alcohol intake and smoking cannabis sativa around all Anglican churches within the diocese.
Bishop Ibezim also banned masquerades from entering the church premises.
Speaking during a Eucharistic service to mark the Ash Wednesday held at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, the cleric said the measure has become necessary to make a distinction between the church and market.
The bishop who spoke on the topic “we will not be silent in Zion”, called for a practical demonstration of the word of God as well as develop the spirit of loving one another.
While condemning the high level of ethnic division in Nigeria and disunity among the Igbos in particular, Bishop Ibezim wondered what would become the fate of many should Christ come now.
The Anglican Bishop stressed the need for Christians to ensure their lives impact positively on their society, advising those who celebrate Valentine Day to eschew immoral conducts that could destroy their lives and destinies.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Awka diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has urged Christian faithful to seize the period of the Lenten season to extend love to one another.
The bishop who gave the advice in a chat with newsmen in Awka said the season offers Christians opportunity to draw closer to God in prayer, fasting and meditation.
He said it was a blessing that this year’s celebration coincided with the Valentine day which is marked every 14th day of February of the year.
The Prelate explained that as Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lenten season signifies sacrifice, so also is Valentine day.
“It is a matter of understanding. For those that understand both events, it is a good blending. As Christ sacrificed his life for mankind, so also St. Valentine sacrificed his life and went to prison,” he said.
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He, however, regretted the misconception and misapplication of Valentine by many Nigerians who view it only from the mundane perspective, noting that it was more of a spiritual exercise.
“Just as the Lenten period offers us the opportunity to show genuine agape love by being of help to those who we are better than, Valentine day is also expected to be a time of selfless service.
“Unfortunately, the majority have a wrong perception of the day and that is why they practice animalistic kind of love which is purely selfish and ungodly,” he decried.
Bishop Ezeokafor, however, frowned at those who criticize those who were ready and willing to demonstrate acts of charity through what God had blessed them with, just as he urged the givers not to be deterred by such criticisms.
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