Ordination Service - 19th December 2024
Ordination Service at The Cathedral Church of The Redemption, New Delhi
On Thursday, December 19th, at 5:30 PM, the Diocese of Delhi observed a solemn and sacred ordination service at The Cathedral Church of The Redemption, New Delhi. The occasion was a momentous one, witnessing the ordination of two deacons as presbyters and one ordinand as a deacon. The service was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi, who led the congregation in a spirit of reverence and commitment to God’s calling.
In his sermon, Bishop Paul Swarup spoke about the significant roles of deacons and presbyters in the Church. He emphasized the importance of servant-leadership, urging the newly ordained to dedicate themselves in faithfulness. He challenged them to embody the teachings of Christ, engaging in acts of service and compassion while upholding the truth of the Gospel.
The ordination ceremony was marked by solemnity and tradition. As the candidates knelt before the Bishop, he laid his hands on their heads, invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them in their ministry. Revd. Ashish Alfred and Revd. Anurag Smith were ordained as Presbyters, while Ord. Adino Abraham was ordained as a Deacon. This sacred moment signified their commitment to serving the Church and its mission.
As part of the ceremony, senior clergy members placed stoles around the newly ordained ministers’ necks, symbolizing the yoke of service to which Christ has called them. Additionally, each of them was presented with a Bible, signifying the authority bestowed upon them to preach the Word of God. Following this, they were vested in liturgical attire, marking their official transition into their new roles within the Church.
The service concluded with prayers, hymns, and words of encouragement from the Bishop and other clergy members. Family, friends, and members of the congregation rejoiced in witnessing this sacred milestone, offering their blessings and support to the newly ordained.
The Diocese of Delhi continues to uphold its commitment to nurturing servant-leaders who will faithfully carry out the mission of the Church. This ordination service stood as a testament to the enduring call of God upon those who dedicate their lives to ministry, serving with love, humility, and unwavering faith.
