Memoir of a Patriarch: Nathaniel Akodjenou Yansounou
Born on April 21, 1904, to Methodist Protestant parents, Nathaniel Akodjenou Yansounou is recognized as one of the founding patriarchs of the Universal Celestial Church of Christ.
A Childhood Shaped by Faith
Raised by his father, Moïse Yansounou, a Methodist catechist and mentor to young SBJ Oshoffa, Nathaniel grew up in strict religious discipline. A gifted chorister and instrumentalist, he became the first indigenous choir master of the Methodist Church in Porto-Novo, a remarkable achievement at a time when leadership was reserved for Europeans.
A Man of Faith
Deeply devoted to God, Yansounou embraced the Celestial Church of Christ in 1947 after its foundation by his friend SBJ Oshoffa. Together, they led the first evangelization campaigns in Dahomey. His faith was so vibrant that he became known as a spiritual warrior, confronting occult forces with confidence in God.
An Exceptional Builder
In 1950, he established the ECC in Ivory Coast, making it the second country to host the “Last Ark of Salvation.” He built the first permanent temple and organized the first Celestial choir. Later, in Porto-Novo (1959), he initiated the mother parish choir and helped preserve and translate revealed hymns. He also contributed to the early choirs in Nigeria, working alongside pioneers such as Owoaje, Ajanlekoko, and Bada.
A Singular Dignitary
As the first Senior Evangelist, Yansounou was the second-highest authority of the ECC after Oshoffa. He uniquely received a golden quadricorne crown from Oshoffa himself, symbolizing a divine transfer of authority. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he revealed several hymns and visions that shaped the Church.
A Glorious End
In September 1970, after a fruitful evangelization campaign, he was called to God. His burial, led by SBJ Oshoffa, was marked by a celestial sign: a star rose from his tomb and ascended to the heavens, a divine testimony of his sanctity.
Honor to Papa Yansounou, patriarch, chorister, and builder of the Celestial Church of Christ.