A total of 25 new Reverends were ordained into the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) on Saturday morning, symbolising the commencement of a profound new chapter in their lives dedicated to serving God.

The ordination ceremony was held at the Malua Jubilee Church within the Malua Theological College and drew an immense gathering of family members, friends, and church members from across the region and beyond, eager to witness this significant milestone.

This sacred event forms part of the biggest denomination's Annual General Assembly. 

The ordination bestows upon these Reverends the authority to conduct marriages, and funerals, and administer Holy Communion to their congregations, marking a pivotal point in their ministerial journey. 

The atmosphere was filled with emotion as tears of joy and gratitude flowed freely, reflecting the arduous yet rewarding path the new ministers had traversed.

Leading the service was Reverend Elder Tunumoso Soliola Iosia, the Deputy Chairman of the C.C.C.S. General Assembly. 

His guidance and blessings underscored the spiritual gravity of the occasion. 

Reverend Elder Iosia emphasised to the assembly, particularly the newly ordained Reverends, that honesty is essential and should be their guiding principle in serving God. 

He encouraged them to remain true to their calling, to serve with humility and integrity, and to prioritise pleasing God over pleasing people. 

He reminded them that their calling is divinely ordained, chosen for a specific reason and purpose. 

Having made their vows to God in front of the congregation on Saturday, they must uphold and live by those commitments faithfully.

According to the bylaws of the C.C.C.S., to earn the esteemed title of Faifeau Samoa, a church minister must serve at the church's main office, the John William's Building, or undertake other significant roles within the church for a minimum of two years following their graduation from Malua Theological College.

The majority of the newly ordained Reverends completed their studies at Malua Theological College between 2019 and 2021. 

These individuals have since been actively involved in various capacities within the church, including teaching at different colleges under the C.C.C.S., working at the main church office, and some have even begun leading parishes both within Samoa and in international congregations.

The ordination ceremony not only celebrated the personal achievements of the 25 new Reverends but also highlighted the enduring commitment of the C.C.C.S. to fostering spiritual growth and leadership within the Samoan community. 

This momentous event reaffirms the church's dedication to its mission of guiding and nurturing the faith of its members, ensuring that the spiritual heritage of Samoa continues to thrive for generations to come.

The newly ordained Faifeau Samoa are: Atapana and Victorie Lau, Emani and Naitosara Tevaga, Fa'afetai and Tamara Nepo, Fa'asaoina and Pologa Komiti, Falepau and Caroline Agina Tuiluga, Isaako Junior and Alice Iose, Kapeni and Renolla Matatia, Kereveta Liko and Fa'anaiaua Tiumalu, Ketty and Vetta Iupeli, Konelio and Ioka Taumaloto, Lancelotte and Naomi Alaimoana, Loia Elisaia and Easterakesa Kolia, Matalevai and Pekina Laufiso, Navy and Amiaifolau Luatua, Niutuiatua and Cecilia Onesemo, Penehuro and Feagia'i Lilomaiava, Peniamina Peleti and Felicia Toailoa, Penitala and Reima Kolose, Petaia Aimaau Geoffrey and Daphne Petaia, Senetenari and Leono Autagavaia, Silipa and Tagiilima Silipa, Talamitaki and Vaitui Hasini, Tavita Simi and Logosuau Reupena, Vauea and Susie Esau, and Visesio and Fa'apenu Leilua.