Deacon Thomas Ward ordained to the priesthood

Report on the Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan to the Parish of St Columba and St Kentigern, Doncaster

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the parish of St Columba and St Kentigern in Doncaster welcomed the Archpastoral visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan on July 26–27, 2025. Father Deacon Ephraim Haddad accompanied His Eminence.

On Saturday, July 26, at 4:00 PM, His Eminence was warmly received at the church by Father George Evan, the parish priest, and Father Deacon Thomas Ward. Following the Vespers service, His Eminence delivered a homily in which he encouraged the faithful to care for the Church, not just as an institution, but as a living and divine reality. Drawing upon the teachings of the Holy Fathers, he emphasized that the Church is the mystical Body of Christ, with Christ Himself as the Head and all believers as members, united by the Holy Spirit through love, faith, and the Holy Mysteries. As St. Paul teaches, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Therefore, each believer bears a sacred responsibility to preserve the unity, holiness, and vitality of the Church through humility, repentance, and mutual care.

The Divine Liturgy began at 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 27. Father Deacon Panagiotis Franklin, from the parish of All Saints in Lincoln, joined the Service. His Eminence ordained Father Deacon Thomas Ward to the Holy Priesthood during this service.

In his homily, His Eminence reminded the newly ordained priest of the sacredness of the ministry entrusted to him. He urged him to walk in humility, seek personal purification to assist in purifying others, and live in such a way as to prepare himself and the flock of Christ for entry into the heavenly Kingdom. His words echoed the Apostle’s message: “Take heed to yourself and the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Following the Divine Liturgy, a commemorative photograph was taken with His Eminence, the newly ordained priest, and the faithful. Father Thomas will serve as the parish's assistant priest under Father George's guidance.

After the service, everyone was invited to partake in an Agape meal, joyfully gathered around their bishop. Among those present were members of the parish community and the newly ordained priest's parents and uncle, who rejoiced greatly at this blessed occasion.

We give praise to God for this grace and pray for Father Thomas's ministry and the continued growth and spiritual flourishing of the parish of St Columba and St Kentigern.