Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, has announced the death of his mother, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome.
The Christ Embassy founder made the emotional announcement while speaking during the ongoing Global Day of Prayer programme, revealing that his mother died on Friday morning, September 25, 2026.
Pastor Chris described his mother as a loving and remarkable woman who played a major role in shaping his life, faith and character.
“Yesterday Friday morning, my sweet mum went to be with the Lord. You know the Bible is very clear as to where a child of God goes,” he said.
The announcement came as members of the LoveWorld family and Christians around the world gathered for the Global Day of Prayer. LoveWorld had scheduled the programme for September 25 and 26, with Pastor Chris leading the global prayer gathering.
READ ALSO: Chris Oyakhilome Announces Mother’s Death, Shares Emotional Tribute
Pastor Chris reflects on his mother’s influence
Speaking about his mother, Pastor Chris said he and his siblings had spent time with her during the weeks before her death.
He explained that those moments gave him another opportunity to express his gratitude for everything she had done for him throughout his life.
According to the pastor, he had made a deliberate effort in recent years to thank his mother whenever they spent time together.
“For me, in the last six, seven years, there was no time I got to be with her that I didn’t appreciate her for the things you did to me,” he said.
Pastor Chris recalled some of the everyday lessons his mother taught him as a child, including personal hygiene, discipline and how to dress.
“I will say thank you for teaching me how to brush my teeth, thank you for teaching me how to dress,” he said.
He went on to credit both his mother and father for giving him and his siblings a Christian upbringing.
“I am preaching today, to the whole world, and it’s because of you and daddy,” he said.
He thanked her for introducing them to Christianity
Pastor Chris also reflected on the spiritual foundation his parents provided for their children.
He thanked his mother for creating a home where he and his siblings were introduced to Jesus Christ and taught what he described as the right path.
“Thank you for giving me and my siblings a home where we could know Jesus Christ. Thank you for showing us the right path,” he said.
The comments offered an insight into the importance of his mother’s influence on the Christian ministry he would later build.
LoveWorld, also known as Christ Embassy, has grown into an international Christian ministry under Pastor Chris’ leadership.
Pastor Chris says he did not “lose” his mother
While announcing the death, Pastor Chris also explained why he preferred not to describe his mother as someone he had “lost.”
The pastor said his Christian faith gives him a different understanding of death.
“Someone said Pastor Chris loses mum, no I didn’t lose mum. In Christ, you don’t lose them,” he said.
He added: “Soon as she was absent in the body, she was immediately present with the Lord.”
His comments reflected his belief that Christians who die are with the Lord rather than permanently lost.
Pastor Chris also said he had encouraged his siblings to remain thankful despite the pain of their mother’s passing.
“She was so sweet”
Remembering his mother’s personality, Pastor Chris described her as loving and said she was someone he deeply admired.
“I definitely love my mum, she was amazing. She was so sweet,” he said.
He also recalled that people frequently commented on the resemblance between him and his mother.
“They used to say among the children, I resembled her the most,” he said.
He explained that he would not immediately give a detailed account of her life because he believed there would be an appropriate time to do so.
“Today, I’m not eulogising her for the moment, there’s a time for that,” he stated.
Funeral details to be announced
Pastor Chris said further information about his mother’s funeral would be made public.
Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome was the mother of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Rev. Ken Oyakhilome and Kathy Woghiren. Reports from Nigerian media also identify her as a respected matriarch within the LoveWorld community. Some reports put her age at 88, although the initial announcement did not state her age or cause of death.
News of her death has prompted condolences from members of Christ Embassy and the wider Christian community, many of whom have described her as an important influence on Pastor Chris and his ministry.
For Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, however, the announcement was not simply about mourning.
It was also an opportunity to publicly thank his mother for the lessons, faith and values she gave him from childhood.
As the Oyakhilome family prepares for her funeral, further details about the final rites are expected to be announced by the family.
