Reverend Christopher Hope Fihu has been elected as the bishop-elect of the Diocese of Ysabel (DoY) in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. He will become the seventh bishop of DoY.
The Electoral Board members of the Diocese of Ysabel elected Rev. Christopher at Tabalia, headquarters of the Melanesian Brotherhood, west Guadalcanal this morning.
Rev Christopher, age 44, will succeed the Right Rev. Ellison Quity who will officially retire as Bishop of Ysabel in September this year, a role he held since February 2016.
Rev. Christopher Hope Fihu is currently serving as a Lecturer in Theology in Biblical Studies at the Bishop Patteson Theological College, (BPTC) Kohimarama.
He holds Masters in Theology in Biblical Studies with Distinction from the Pacific Community College (PCU) formerly Pacific Theological College, and Bachelor in Theology with Distinction and Diploma in Theology at Bishop Patteson Theological College, Kohimarama.
He was ordained deacon in 2009 and became priested in 2010. He has 14 years of working experience in the Diocese of Ysabel as a district priest, Parish Priest and diocesan office staff. He also served as Chaplain, Lecturer and Deputy Principal at the Mano Wadrokal School of Theology, Tasia, in the Diocese of Ysabel.
Rev. Christopher Fihu from Nareabu village, Maringe District, in Isabel and is married to Salina Hope also from Nareabu village and they have five Children.
In his brief plans according to Curriculum Vitae, Rev. Christopher wishes to Promote God’s Kingdom through Peace Building, Strong Spirituality, Intentional Discipleship, Self-reliance and Partnership, serving the holistic transformation and revitalization of the missional work in the Diocese of Ysabel as his mission for the diocese.
This early election is to allow proper transition and handing over of Diocesan responsibilities from the outgoing and incoming Bishops.
The consecration of Rev. Christopher Hope Fihu will be held at Jejevo, on 1 November this year.
The Archbishop is calling on all members of the church to pray for Rev. Christopher Fihu and his family as he prepares to take on this responsibility leading the Diocese of Ysabel in the Anglican Church of Melanesia.