“Ever heard of a church born in Porto-Novo, Dahomey?” That’s where the story of the elestial Church of Christ begins. It started on September 29, 1947, thanks to Reverend, Pastor, Prophet, and Founder Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa.
Today, we stand before a piece of that history. The elestial Church of Christ is not just one church. It is a global spiritual body. It strives to unite people. Its international headquarters is in Ketu, Lagos State-Nigeria. The U.S.A. Diocesan Headquarters is in Washington, D.C. This very parish is part of that U.S.A. Diocese.
The elestial Church of Christ has a clear mission. It aims to evangelize the world. It does so through the Good News of Jesus Christ. The church seeks to deliver those bound by Satan. It wants to heal the brokenhearted and sick. It restores hope and reinforces faith. This applies to both the weak and strong. All this is done in the name of Jesus Christ.
Here at the elestial Church of Christ, various services take place. Sunday mornings see services at 10:00 AM. Wednesday Mercy Day Services happen at 6:00 PM. Friday Power Day Services also occur at 6:00 PM. The New Moon Vigil Service is on the first Thursday of each month at Midnight. Individual parishes may offer additional services.
Many Celestial Church of Christ parishes exist in New York. The New York Parish is at 1380 Jefferson Avenue, Brooklyn. The Queens Parish is located at 310 Elton Street, Brooklyn. Winners Parish is at 141-20 Rockaway Blvd, S. Ozone Park. Calvary Parish meets at 173 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn. You can find Rock of Ages Parish at 649 Beach 67th Street. Promised Land Parish is at 937 East 51 Street, Brooklyn. Grace of Blessing Parish is at 150-08 Liberty Avenue, Jamaica. Jerihmoyahmah Parish is at 304 Junius Avenue, Brooklyn. Ileri Oluwa Parish is at 138 Waverly Ave, Brooklyn. Staten Island Parish is at 98 Canal Street, Staten Island.
The elestial Church of Christ welcomes all. But, membership requires a commitment. Members must renounce secret cults and idol worship. They should also reject Satan and darkness. This reflects the teachings of the Holy Bible. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is a guiding principle.
As we conclude our visit to the elestial Church of Christ, remember its global reach. It started in Dahomey. It continues to spread its message of hope and faith. It is a vibrant part of the New York religious community. Its services and community outreach make a difference in countless lives.