Rev. Raymond Akpunonu

Born in Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Raymond Akpunonu had his primary education first in his village school, St. Joseph/Egbema Community Primary School, Ozubulu in Anambra State. He then continued at Onitsha, Lagos, Oji- River and Otuocha. His seminary training started at St. Paul/All Hallows Minor Seminary Onitsha. He studied Philosophy at St. Joseph's Major Seminary Ikot Ekpene and Theology at Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. By the grace of God he was ordained a priest of the Holy Roman Catholic Church on Augsust,17 1996 by Archbishop Albert K. Obietuna. Later he obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology (PGD- PS) from Nnamdi Azikiwe Federal University Awka.

He was assigned to the then Archbishop of Archdiocese of Onitsha Most Rev. Stephen S. Ezeanya as his second personal assistant. He cared for him in hospital until he died. He has discharged his priestly ministry as Associate Pastor in Nigeria in these parishes: St. Raphael's Anumudu; St. Charles' Boromeo, Onitsha; St Mary's Alor; St. William's Nkwelle-Ezunaka and Holy Family Nkpor.

In 2003, he opened a new parish as the pioneer Pastor at Holy Trinity Parish, Igbariam. In the same year he became a chaplain to Anambra State University and Anambra State College of Agriculture Igbariam.

His Ordinary sent him to United States of America in 2006 for mission and studies. Fr. Raymond became the priest chaplain (residence -St. Brigid Westbury) at Nassau Medical University Center on Dec. 1 2006 under Rockville Centre Diocese. Since then he has also worked as chaplain at Our Lady of Consolation and South Side Hospital Bay Shore. He has also done his priestly ministry at St. Matthew's parish Dix Hills, St Mark's Shorehem. He was assigned to Infant Jesus parish Port Jefferson in Nov. 2007.