BY LIONEL TAORAO – ISLES FREELANCER
The Anglican Church of Melanesian (ACoM) Diocese of Hanuato’o in the Makira/Ulawa Province has welcomed its newest priest, Rev. Philemon Austin Hureimanu of Su’u Moli, in historic ordination ceremony held yesterday on Ulawa Island.
The event was officiated by the Bishop of Hanuato’o, the Right Reverend Arthur Stanley Abui, who led the sacred rite before a large gathering of clergy, church leaders, community elders, and supporters from across the island.
In his address, Bishop Abui revealed that Deacon Hureimanu’s ordination marks the fourth ordination held in the Diocese during November alone, a sign he described as “a positive growth for the church and a blessing for the future of ministry in Hanuato’o.” He praised the resilience of communities and the dedication of those who continue to respond to the call to serve.
The ceremony opened with a powerful display of traditional Ulawa custom, symbolizing unity and cultural identity. Dancers adorned in traditional attire led the procession, blending ancestral heritage with Anglican spirituality in a way that moved many in attendance followed by the official ordination service, during which Rev. Hureimanu was formally admitted to priesthood.
Following the ordination, the celebration continued with a massive feast and lively entertainment performed by various church vestries groups across Ulawa. The atmosphere was filled with singing, dancing, and fellowship as communities united to mark the significant milestone.
People from all over Ulawa attended the ceremony, with some supporters travelling from South Malaita to witness the occasion.
The ordination of Rev. Hureimanu is seen as a major milestone for the Anglican Church on the island, strengthening both spiritual leadership and community bonds within the Diocese of Hanuato’o.
