Former Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa, is dead.
Archbishop Anikwenwa, was the former Archbishop of Province II and the Retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria.
He died on Monday March 13, 2023.
According to a statement by the General Secretary, Church of Nigeria, “The Church of Nigeria mourns the demise of the former Dean of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Maxwell Anikwenwa, who was called to glory this day, Monday, March 13, 2023.
“Archbishop Anikwenwa was the former Archbishop of Province II and the Retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
“May God comfort his family, the Diocese of Awka, Province of the Niger and the Church of Nigeria as a whole and grant him eternal rest. Shalom!”
Archibishop Anikwenwa is a native of Awkwuzu in Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State was born on Friday (Nkwo) 22′”‘ November, 1940.
He attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha, St Mark’s Teachers College Nibo-Nise, Trinity Theological College Umuahia Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra-Leone.
Anikwenwa is a graduate School of Ecumenical Studies. Geneva, Ripon College, Cuddeson, Oxford.
His qualifications include West African School Certificate (WASC) 1959, Teacher’s Grade Two Certificate (TC2) 1961, Diploma in Theology London (DIPTIL) 1966, Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Philosophy 1972, PGD Ecumenism 1973 and Master of Arts (M.A) 1975.
Ordained Dean, 1966 at All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, he was appointed Priest in 1968 at All Saijnts Cathedral Onitsha, appointed Chaplain 1966 1969 at All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, seconded as Chaplain 1966 1969 to The Archbishop of West Africa, Assistant Priest 1969 1972 at Philip’s Patten Street, Free Town and All Saints Kissy Road.
He was also appointed Vicar 1976, 1987 at St. Andrew’s Church Onitsha. Anikwenwa was preferred a Canon of All Saints Cathedral Onitsha 1976, Synod Secretary 1975-1986 Diocese on The Niger, Secretary, Diocesan Bishop of Awka, 1987 and consecrated Diocesan Bishop of Awka in 1987.
He was elected Archbishop of Province 11 in 2,000, Dean. Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2,000 and elected Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Anambra State in 2001.
Archbishop Anikwenwa was known as an Icon of hope and integrity, fairness and transparent honesty.