Natasha, Michael, Shaun, Bishop David Father Admos, Grace and Petronella after the ordination
Many congratulations to Admos who was ordained Deacon on September 23rd, to serve in our parish. Admos and his family have worshipped with us since arriving in the UK from Zimbabwe, and Admos has had a significant part in shaping where our church is today. Among us he felt called to the priesthood, and he feels his particular call is to serve our congregation. This calling was unanimously supported by our Church Council.
Fr Admos with Fr Ian and the churchwardens outside the Cathedral
Admos completed his training for ministry recently, however, the ordination was postponed because of the Coronavirus pandemic. It finally took place at Manchester Cathedral last Wednesday. Although very restriced in numbers it was a very special occasion and it was good that Grace, Admos’ wife and their children, Petronella, Shaun, Natasha and Michael, were all able to be there, together with Fr Ian and our churchwardens.
Fr Ian commented: I was so pleased we were finally able to gather for Admos’ ordination. It was a special moment for Admos, his family and us all. I found it a lovely and poignant ordination service. As the Dean remarked we are learning to appreciate more and more small, beautiful acts of worship in these strange days. This was one of them. I found the whole ethos, the gentle atmosphere and unfussy attention to detail quite lovely and felt – in the place I am at present – it was preferable to a big more fussy ordination!
In his sermon Bishop David spoke of the need for the local support to be supported and encouraged, and to place prayer and faith at the centre of the work we do.
Fr Admos will continue in his full time work as a Senior Lecturer (and associate director) in the Global Development Institute in Manchester University, while also being a deacon, and all being well from next year, a priest, here at St Chrysostom’s.
As we move forward, in uncertain days, Fr Admos’ intellectual acumen, thoughtful spirituality and broad experience is a very valuable addition to our ministry team.
