Fathers week celebration of the Diocese of Warri Anglican Communion programme continued on Saturday with couples Day celebration.
The guest speaker Ven. Dr. Endurance Otobrise who spoke on the theme “The Power of Sacrificial Giving” used the scription according to 2 Samuel 24:14 to illustrate the power of giving .
For his part the Bishop of the Warri Diocese of Anglican Communion,Rt. Revd. Christian Esezi Ide advised couples to live peacefully among themselves and be prayerful .
He commended the organizers for making the event memorable
For his part the President of Fathers union , Diocese of Warri Anglican Communion Sir Godwin Orhurhu said “Sacrificial giving is the act of giving something valuable to God or others, even when it costs us personally, whether financially, emotionally, or physically.
He added that sacrificial giving is the offering that touches, challenges or even pains the giver because it requires giving up something cherished or essential.
According to him “Costly giving is not about the absolute value of what is given, but about the relative worth to the giver.
The Fathers union President sir Orhurhu stated that couples Day is set aside to honour the sacred union of marriage as ordained by God, and to recognize the strength, enduring love, and faith that sustains it.
Chairman Effurun West Archd. ,
Sir Francis Osogolo thanked the couples for attending the event and appealed to members of Father’s union and Christian men fellowship to always attend and support the group activities.
The event featured cutting of the couples Day celebration cake and dancing competition by couples .
The week long activities of the fathers week will climax with Thanksgiving and Fund Raising Love feast on Sunday June 15,2025.
The event was well attended by couples from the various churches in Warri Diocese of Anglican Communion.
The full text of the President speech reads ;
My Lord Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Christain Esezi Ide, Our Mother in Israel, Mrs. Patience Okpako Ide, President Women Organizations. My Lord Chancellor, Our Chaplain’s Ven. Monday Imonisan and Ven. S.A.B. Ikpesa,
Distinguished Clergy,
Esteemed Committee Members,
Beloved Couples,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
To God be all the glory for his mighty hand of protection upon every family present here today. For the celebration of 2025 Couples Day.
My sincere thanks go to our pathon the Lord Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Christain E. Ide (JP) and his wife the president of the women organization Mrs. Patience O. Ide (Mother in Israel). For their support towards the works of the Father’s Union and the General Men. My Lord and Mother in Israel, May the Almighty God continue to support, protect you and your family in your episcopacy in Jesus name.
My appreciation to our Chaplain for your support always and the spiritual growth of the union. God bless you, sir.
Our resource person, Ven. Dr. Endurance Otobrise, you are welcome, and God bless you.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “THE POWER OF SACRIFICIAL AND COSTLY GIVING”. Text: 2 Samuel 24:24.
Sacrificial giving is the act of giving someone something valuable to God or others, even when it costs us personally, whether financially, emotionally, or physically. It’s the offering that touches, challenges, or even pains the giver because it requires giving up something cherished or essential.
Costly giving is not about the absolute value of what is given, but about the relative worth to the giver. A poor widow gave two small coins (Mark 12:41-44) and gave more than the rich who gave large sums, because her gift came from her need, not from her surplus.
It is my fervent hope that our resource person shall do justice to the theme practically to the glory of God.
Again, It is with great joy and heartfelt appreciation that I join you today to mark the celebration of Christian Couples Day, this day, 14th June 2025. A day divinely dedicated to honoring the sacred union of marriage as ordained by God, and to recognizing the strength, enduring love, and faith that sustains it.
Marriage is one of the most profound gifts given to humanity, within the Christian faith. It is a covenant not just between two individuals, but a spiritual bond that reflects the love of Christ for His church. It is built on trust, nourished by love, and held strong by prayer and mutual sacrifice.
Today, we celebrate not just couples, but the very foundation of family, community, and national strength. And in our gathering today, we celebrate the values that hold us together: commitment, forgiveness, patience, and unconditional love. To every Christian couple here today, your commitment as Christian couples is a pillar of our society. You remind us that even in times of trial, love anchored in Christ/Jesus can endure and flourish.
As your President, I pledge my continued commitment to supporting the policies that uplift families, protect the sanctity of marriage, and strengthen our moral foundation as a church and nation.
May this day renew your purpose, deepen your bond, and remind us all of the eternal truth: that love rooted in God is the greatest of all virtues.
Challenges: Lack of funds, continue to hinder the successful execution of the Couple’s Day celebration. However, permit me to appreciate the following units Vicar for their encouragement and support yearly. Ven. Friday Ejemrae of St. Stephen Anglican Church off Jakpa Road, Ven. M. O. P. Olobia of St. Peter’s Anglican Church Igbudu, Ven. Dr. Endurance Otobrise of All Saints Jefia, and Ven. D. O. Namani of All Saints Airport Road.
I sincerely appeal to our Vicars and Priests for their unfailing support towards the Father’s Union and the General Men’s activities in the Diocese. Please help us.
Finally, I cannot end this address without appreciating once more the Almighty God who made this day a reality. Our appreciation goes to His Lordship and his wife for honoring us with their presence, Priests and wives, planning committee led by Sir Eliex Eterere KSC, all unit chairmen, MC, DJ, caterers, decorators, and you, our members, for your sacrifices.
May God bless every couple here today. May He continue to bless our families and may He bless His church and our great nation.
Thank you, and Happy Christian Couples Day!
Godwin Obukoadeta Orhurhu
President
