EASTER MESSAGE 2025
By The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia Bishop, Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion)
Theme: “The Covenant-Keeping God: Jehovah Racham (God of Mercy)” – Titus 3:5
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He is Risen – Hallelujah!
As we gather to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in this Easter season of 2025, I bring warm greetings to every member of our Diocese, the Church of Nigeria, and indeed, the entire nation. Easter is a powerful reminder that out of pain comes purpose, and from death springs forth eternal life. In a world marred by chaos, confusion, and deepening despair, Christ’s resurrection remains our anchor of hope and the ultimate evidence of God’s unfailing mercy.
Christ’s Resurrection: The Ultimate Victory
Over 2,000 years ago, on a dark Friday, it seemed that evil had triumphed. Christ, the Son of God, hung bruised and broken on a Roman cross. But three days later, the stone was rolled away, and the grave was empty! This single event changed the course of history. Christ conquered sin, death, and the grave, offering salvation and restoration to all who believe. His resurrection assures us that no situation is beyond God’s power to redeem—not even the crises we face today.
In Titus 3:5, we are reminded: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” God’s mercy—Jehovah Racham—is the covenant bridge between humanity’s failures and divine redemption. It is this mercy that we desperately need in our time.
Our Troubled World Needs the Risen Christ
The signs of the times are clear and alarming. As documented by global agencies, over 200,000 people have been killed in conflict-related violence since 2023. Wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria rage on. Terrorism has displaced over 100 million people worldwide. In Nigeria, we have lost over 350,000 lives to Boko Haram, banditry, and communal clashes. Our people are weary. Our land is groaning.
Hunger and poverty now define the daily reality of over 133 million Nigerians. Our youth face mental health crises, drug addiction, joblessness, and spiritual confusion. The nation mourns the recent mass killings and destruction of villages in Plateau State—yet again. We condemn in the strongest terms the repeated kidnappings, ritual killings, and senseless violence against innocent citizens. The government must rise above mere statements. Justice must be served. Impunity must end. The blood of the innocent cries out.
Mercy Still Speaks
Beloved, amid these horrifying realities, God’s mercy endures forever. The resurrection of Christ is proof that hope is not lost. As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”
Just like Nineveh in Jonah’s day, our nation and world can still be saved—if we repent. God is calling leaders, families, churches, and individuals back to Himself. Mercy does not overlook sin; it invites us to transformation. Mercy gives room for change.
What Must We Do?
This Easter, I call on our leaders—from the presidency to the grassroots—to reject corruption, embrace justice, and govern with the fear of God. Leadership without integrity invites judgment. Citizens too must reject violence, greed, immorality, and deceit. We must return to the altar of prayer, repentance, and truth.
Repentance is urgent.
We must turn from wickedness—corruption, hatred, greed, injustice, immorality—and seek God’s face. No amount of political reform or economic policy will succeed without moral revival. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 declares, repentance precedes healing.
Governance must be godly.
We call on our leaders to embrace accountable, responsive, and capable leadership. A nation without righteous leadership is doomed to mourn, as Proverbs 29:2 reminds us.
Unity must be our goal.
Nigeria cannot rise divided along ethnic and religious lines. We must bury hate and build bridges. Jesus said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). Let us pursue truth, justice, and love—together.
Restoration is possible—but only through God.
We can still rise. We can still build. But not by might or power—only by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6). God’s plans for Nigeria and the nations are still good (Jeremiah 29:11), but we must return to Him in truth and humility.
A Call to the 2025 Synod
As part of our continued journey of reflection and renewal, I am pleased to formally invite all members of our Diocese and friends of the Gospel to the First Session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Nike, which will take place from Wednesday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 27th, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of St. Cyprian, Enugu.
The Synod theme, “The Covenant-Keeping God: Jehovah Racham (God of Mercy)” – Titus 3:5, is both timely and prophetic. Together, we will reflect deeply on God’s enduring faithfulness, even in a generation that desperately needs healing, direction, and divine intervention.
Let us come prepared in heart, prayer, and purpose. We look forward to a time of worship, teaching, and prophetic engagement that will shape our Diocese and nation for the days ahead.
Final Word: Let Mercy Find You This Easter
Dear friends, Easter is more than a holiday—it is a holy declaration. Mercy is available. The world is shaking, but mercy can still restore. Nigeria is groaning, but mercy can still revive. Your life may be overwhelmed—but mercy can still heal. No matter how dark the night, the tomb is still empty. Jesus lives! That means fear must bow, death has lost its sting, and the future is filled with promise.
Let us walk boldly into that future with the resurrection power of Christ at work in us. This Easter, choose hope. Choose mercy. Choose Christ.
May the joy and power of the risen Christ fill your homes, your hearts, and your nation.
Will you embrace it? Will you return to the God who still saves?
Let every home return to prayer. Let every pulpit speak the truth. Let every heart open to the risen Christ. And let mercy—not judgment—have the final word over us.
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
With love and blessings in Christ,
✝The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia
Bishop, Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion)
