Two new Safeguarding Officers have now been appointed for the Archdiocese, the Reverend Father Mark Shillaker, assistant priest in the parish of St Martin and St Helen, Colchester and from the same parish, Mr. Dušan Radunovic. Both these servants of God now begin their work, but in a transitional phase until 29th April when the present serving officers of longstanding, Kh. Helen (Hallam) and Archpriest Gregory (Hallam) complete their handover. Sayedna Silouan made the announcement below which was closely followed by the Board's endorsement - as per law.
Dear in Christ fathers, sisters and brothers of this God-protected Archdiocese,
God bless you all.
I pray that you have a fruitful fasting time in your parishes and families.
I am delighted to announce that Father Mark Shillaker has accepted my invitation to serve as the new Archdiocesan Safeguarding Officer. He will be assisted in this service by Dušan Radunovic who is currently the Parish Safeguarding Representative in Colchester parish. Both men formally take on their roles fully from 29th April 2023.
Until then Kh Helen and Father Gregory will continue to serve as Archdiocesan Safeguarding Officers in order that a smooth transition may take place. For those who have training webinars originally booked under Kh Helen's care, she will continue to liaise with the participants. However, all new DBS checks and training will be managed by Father Mark and Dušan under a new Archdiocesan account with Thirtyone:eight. For the new Officers' work, you will need to use a new email address which is: antiochsafeguarding@gmail.com
I would like to thank both Kh Helen and Father Gregory for the many years of dedicated service that they have given in their roles. In so doing, they have helped to keep our young people and adults at risk of harm safe, also of course protecting those who work with them where unjust accusations have been made.
Safeguarding remains at the very heart of our care for each other in this Archdiocese.
Please, of course, pray for Father Mark and Dušan as they begin a new chapter of ministry.
Your prayers!
I remain your Father in Christ
+Silouan