By John Egie
The Ancient Mystical Order of Rosi Croix (AMORC) as an Organization populated by human beings is not immune to corruption.
Chief Dr Kenneth Idiodi, Honorary Grand Master, Rosicrucian Order, English Grand Lodge for West Africa has said.
He spoke in an interview during the AMORC funeral ceremony celebrated in honour of Prof John Ovuezirie Akeraino Idiodi, Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Ofagbe, Isoko South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria.
He said because ” all men have fallen short of the glory of God ” no human being or organization run by human beings is immune to corruption but it was important to realize that each person should have a moral obligation to improve himself or herself in thought, utterance and action so that individual and collective destinies will be growing in the right direction.
” The fundamental thing is ; watch your thoughts they become words, watch your words they become deeds, watch your deeds they become actions, watch your actions they become destiny and that is the direction your character fashions out and how you go.” He said.
Responding to a question on how the Rosicrucian Order could come to the rescue in a disorderly society like Nigeria with economic uncertainties, the Grand Master said the principles of AMORC which are natural and spiritual are basic and fundamental to human existence.
” We place a lot of emphasis on societal goals and values and this understanding if promoted and we promote it, and have been doing so in subtle as well as fairly loud ways, will enhance communication across the board to the public with understanding and evolution and there will be growth and development across the rank.
” Our contribution therefore, is pivotal in terms of good health, happiness, harmony, peace and welfare of human beings. If we lay emphasis on our traditional high sense of values in Africa it will be extremely helpful to us.”
Expressing his concerns on leadership and bad governance in Africa, Grand Master Kenneth Idiodi said each person should learn to lead himself or herself first of all and realize that every human being is a leader in one aspect and a follower in yet another aspect.
“Then it is important to realize that at any given point in time, the Almighty offers us opportunity to grow and prosper. If we take consideration of our experiences in life because after all the totality of human experiences is knowledge and with knowledge we can grow. “He said.
Earlier, the most worthy Grand Master-Elect, Secretary of national board of AMORC Nigeria, Fraters in their various ranks, Chiefs, members of the extended family of the deceased, friends and other mourners filed past the casket bearing the remains of the deceased shortly before an opening prayer for the funeral ceremony was taken by Mr Johnson Ikube.
In opening remarks, Prof C. Orubu welcomed all to the preferment of the Rosicrucian Order Funeral on the deceased saying that the Order is not only a philosophical Organization but one that also recognizes that life is a transition from one stage to the Order.
He testified that the deceased was an active member of the Order who served as a Master, Regional Monitor, Grand Councillor and member of international research Council of Rose Croix University.
He said the occasion did not call for sorrow as Rosicrucians’ grieves are not seen as sorrow but a transition to higher plane.
“Prof John Ovuezirie Akeraino Idiodi was born well, lived well, died well and would be promoted to the hall of ancestors.” He said.
In a tribute, Prof Asor Vincent of the University of Benin, read the biography of Prof John Idiodi pointing out that the deceased specialized in the field of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics and remained deeply committed to research, teaching and mentoring students encompassing in a wide range of subjects including Atomic and nuclear physics, quantum theory and mathematical physics both at undergraduate postgraduate levels.
“His commitment to advancing mathematical physics in the country was evident in his role as editor-in-chief of the Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics (JNAMP). Prof Idiodi made a lasting impact on the fields of Physics and Mathematics in Nigeria by producing 28 PhD graduates in Physics, many of whom are now professors- and supervising 72 MSc graduates in Physics.”
A condolence message issued by the Grand Master-Elect, Rosicrucian Order, English Grand Lodge for West Africa, Eugenius Idiodi commiserated with the family of the deceased taking consolation however, in the fact that Prof John Ovuezirie Akeraino Idiodi now of blessed memory, has responded to the home call of his Creator and hence, free from the multifaceted sufferings of ” this mundane world and will eventually return more noble, more divine and more glorious to continue his service on the earth plane at an appropriate time. ”
The spiritual session of the funeral ceremony was conducted by Frater Dr Sule Bakare in a solemn moment.
The funeral ceremony recorded the rendition of traditional hymns in common use by Orthodox Churches by the AMORC Choir among which were; Guide me Oh Thou Great Redeemer, Amazing Grace, Immortal Invisible God Only Wise and the deceased favourite hymn, Now Thank We All Our God.
In a separate remark, Engr O.G.A Odokor Jp Frater of the Ughelli Lodge of AMORC informed that the hymns were originally written and authored by mystics of the Ancient Mystical Order of Rosi Croix and were not copied from the Orthodox Churches as erroneously interpreted.