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Dean Chris is pleased to announce that Bishop John Stephens has appointed the Rev. Christian Okeke to serve in a one-year curacy at the Cathedral beginning September 1, 2024.

“I am thrilled beyond belief that Pastor Christian will be joining our team,” said Dean Chris.  “He brings a tremendous amount of energy, passion and experience to the Cathedral including expertise in cross/ multicultural experience as well as working with trauma, youth and seniors.”  Dean Chris will be assigning Pastor Christian as Senior Curate to engage with the Maundy Cafe consumers, support the development of a renewed the ministry amongst the African diaspora in the Cathedral, strengthen the ministry of the parish, particularly in ethnic diversity, along with a share of preaching, teaching and pastoral care with a focus on seniors and youth. “Pastor Christian brings with him a joy for the Good News that is infectious and I look forward to what God has in store for us together,” said Dean Chris.

The Rev. Christian Obunike Okeke was born and raised in Nigeria. He has earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College, Vancouver. Prior to that, Christian obtained a Diploma in Theology from Paul University Awka, Nigeria, and a Bachelor's Degree in Religion and Human Relations from the University of Nigeria. He also completed his Master's Degree class work in Religion and Society at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria before moving to Canada in 2016 for further studies and ministry. He is currently working on a Professional Certificate Program in Addiction Counseling. 

Christian answered the call to the pastoral ministry in the year 2000. He was made a deacon in 2008 after his pastoral formation and theological training and was ordained a priest in 2009. He served in different pastoral positions as an ordained minister and his last station in Nigeria as Parish Priest (Rector) was All Saints’ Church Ukpo, Nigeria (2010 – 2016).

Christian landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2016 and provided pastoral leadership to a group of Nigerian Christians in NS for about a year before heading to Regent College, Vancouver for studies. After he graduated from Regent College in 2020, he worked with Teen Challenge Canada (Ontario Men’s Centre), London, ON where he supported individuals in their recovery from substance addiction and inspired them to live a transformed life. Christian works with youth impacted by addiction and inter-generational trauma as a Youth Care Worker at Inner Hope Youth Ministries, Vancouver and also works as a Rehabilitation Care Worker with individuals recovering from acquired brain injury (ABI) while serving as an Honourary Assistant Priest at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Vancouver and at the Cathedral. 

Christian has been licensed to officiate as a priest of the Diocese by Bishop John Stephens and is now canonically resident in the Diocese of New Westminster. He brings a wealth of cross-cultural and multi-cultural ministry experience to the church and the liturgy. He has a strong passion for youth, children and seniors, and he seeks to be actively involved in providing them with guidance, care and support. He is passionate about the Bible as the inspired word of God, likes to engage in life-giving theological conversations and explores how Christianity interacts with different world cultures. He enjoys music, reading, artwork, and sports.