Harmondsworth Vicar installed as Archdeacon in the Diocese of Ideato

02/02/10

The Ven Amatu Onundu Christian-Iwuagwu, Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Harmondsworth, has been installed as Archdeacon in the Diocese of Ideato, Nigeria.

Amatu, who previously acted as Commissary in the UK for the (now retired) Bishop of the Ideato diocese, the Rt Revd Godson Echefu, will undertake a number of new duties as Archdeacon including preaching at Diocesan Synod services, leading ordination retreats and preaching at ordination services within the Church of Nigeria. He will play a key role in aiding and assisting the current Bishop of Ideato, the Rt Revd Dr Caleb Maduoma, in pastoral care and office and examining and presenting those who are to be admitted to Holy Orders.

The Ven Amatu Onundu Christian-Iwuagwu said:

"Following my appointment as Vicar in the Diocese of London, I have in some occasions described myself as having one leg in the Church of Nigeria and the other in the Church of England.

"My services to both Churches in my view reflect a true symbolism of the link between the Mother Church – the Church of England and the Church of Nigeria in the Anglican Communion worldwide."

The installation and collation service took place at the St Peter's Cathedral Church Arondizogu in Imo State Nigeria on Tuesday 23 December 2009.