2025 Ash Wednesday: Archbishop Ibezim Calls for Spiritual Renewal and Restoration
As Christians across the world mark Ash Wednesday, heralding the beginning of the season of Lent, His Grace, The Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, led a solemn and reflective service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka. The occasion, which symbolizes the commencement of a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance in the Christian calendar, was an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on their relationship with God and seek spiritual renewal.
In his Ash Wednesday message, Archbishop Ibezim called on believers to embrace repentance, self-examination, and renewal in their walk with God. He emphasized that Lent was not only about personal reflection but also about collective restoration of the Church and society. His sermon centered on the theme of this year’s Lenten season: “God Will Rebuild Zion: Total Restoration,” drawing from key Scriptures such as Psalm 51:10-12, Joel 2:25, and Psalm 102:13-16.
The Archbishop began his message by acknowledging the troubled state of contemporary society, highlighting the moral and spiritual decay that is increasingly evident in various facets of life. In his opening remarks, Archbishop Ibezim remarked, “Today, we see signs of moral and spiritual decay in various aspects of society, and we are reminded of the need for a deep and sincere return to God.” He pointed out that the ashes that are traditionally used on Ash Wednesday to mark the foreheads of the faithful are a sign of humility, repentance, and the acknowledgment of human mortality. This ancient tradition, the Archbishop emphasized, is not only a reminder of the fragility of life but also of the eternal need for God’s grace.
Drawing on Psalm 51:10-12, which says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” Archbishop Ibezim called for a spiritual renewal that would begin in the hearts of believers. He stressed that this renewal is not just an individual pursuit but a communal effort, urging the congregation to embrace the season of Lent as an opportunity for transformation, both personally and collectively. The Archbishop reminded the faithful that the journey of Lent is meant to draw them closer to God, purifying their hearts and minds, so they can live in harmony with one another and reflect God’s love in their communities.
“Let this Lenten season be a time of sincere repentance,” he urged. “We must take a moment for self-examination, where we reflect on our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes. True renewal begins with turning away from sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. Let us approach this season with a humble and contrite heart, allowing God to work within us.”
This year’s theme for the Lenten season, “God Will Rebuild Zion: Total Restoration,” resonated deeply within the congregation. Zion, as Archbishop Ibezim explained, represents the people of God—the Church—and when it is broken, it signifies spiritual decay and moral decline. The state of Zion, both as a metaphor for the Church and as an actual city in the Scriptures, becomes an expression of the brokenness within humanity that requires divine intervention for restoration.
The Archbishop cited Psalm 102:13, which reads, “You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.” He explained that despite the challenges faced by the Church and society, God’s mercy and grace remain ever available to bring about restoration. According to the Archbishop, this message of hope was especially vital during a period marked by division, suffering, and despair.
“God’s promise to rebuild and restore Zion is not just a promise for the Church but a promise for the entire world. Despite the evident decay and decline, God’s hand of restoration is upon us,” Archbishop Ibezim declared, offering words of encouragement to the faithful. “God will restore not only the material aspects of life but also our relationship with Him. This season is an opportunity for us to rediscover the joy of salvation and experience the fullness of His restoration.”
Archbishop Ibezim emphasized that the restoration promised by God extends beyond the material realm. “Restoration does not merely mean the restoration of wealth, power, or position. It also means the renewal of the spirit, the revival of our relationship with God, and the healing of our souls,” he said. Drawing from Joel 2:25, which states, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten,” the Archbishop underscored that God’s restoration is comprehensive, covering all aspects of life, from the spiritual to the material.
He pointed out that spiritual renewal is the key to lasting change in individuals and communities. The Archbishop reiterated that the Lenten season is a time for Christians to examine their hearts and repent of their sins, seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness. “God is ready to heal, to forgive, and to restore. But it requires us to take the first step of repentance. We cannot expect transformation if we are not willing to turn away from sin and open our hearts to God’s grace,” he said.
Using the example of King David, who prayed in Psalm 51:10-12 for a clean heart and steadfast spirit, Archbishop Ibezim invited the congregation to adopt a similar posture during this season of Lent. He encouraged everyone present to ask God to create in them a pure heart and renew their spirits, enabling them to live lives that reflect the character and love of Christ.
In addition to repentance, the Archbishop called for a deep commitment to fervent prayer, acts of charity, and sacrificial living during Lent. He explained that true renewal involves more than just internal transformation; it requires external action. The faithful are called to extend love and compassion to others, particularly the less fortunate, during this period.
“This season is not just for personal reflection but for acts of service to our neighbors,” Archbishop Ibezim said. “Let us engage in acts of charity, helping the poor, comforting the grieving, and showing kindness to those in need. These acts reflect God’s love and bring healing to the brokenness in our society.”
He encouraged Christians to spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance for their lives, their families, and their communities. “Prayer is the foundation of spiritual renewal. It is through prayer that we connect with God, hear His voice, and receive strength for the journey ahead.”
The Archbishop also reminded the Church of its role as a light to the world. He stressed that the season of Lent is a time for the Church to lead by example in promoting peace, reconciliation, and unity. As society continues to face various challenges, including political division, economic hardship, and social injustice, the Church must stand as a beacon of hope and a source of healing.
“God is calling the Church to rise above the noise and division of the world and be a voice of love, unity, and peace,” Archbishop Ibezim said. “Let us lead by example, showing the world what it means to live in Christ’s love and to be agents of change in society. This is a season of restoration, and as the Church, we are called to participate in God’s work of healing and renewal.”
To support the faithful in their spiritual journey during Lent, the Diocese of Awka and the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger have scheduled a series of programs and activities throughout the season. These include prayer meetings, Bible study sessions, charitable outreach programs, and spiritual retreats aimed at deepening the faith of the congregation and encouraging communal participation in the season of renewal.
The Archbishop encouraged all believers to actively engage in these programs, stating, “Lent is not just about personal sacrifice; it is about growing together as a community in faith and love. Let us come together to encourage one another, share in each other’s burdens, and experience the fullness of God’s restoration as a community.”
As the faithful embark on the journey of Lent, Archbishop Ibezim’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual renewal, repentance, and restoration. With his call to embrace God’s transformative power and make this Lenten season a time of personal and communal renewal, the Archbishop encourages all Christians to return to God wholeheartedly, trusting in His promise of restoration.
“This is a sacred time to return to God with all our hearts,” Archbishop Ibezim concluded. “Let us seek His face, and He will rebuild and restore every broken aspect of our lives. May this season of Lent be a time of profound transformation and a new beginning in our relationship with God.”
As the Diocese of Awka and the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger continue their Lenten journey, the faithful are reminded that God is indeed in the business of rebuilding Zion, offering total restoration to those who seek His face with sincere hearts.
