Ordination Service - 28th May 2023

30 May

The Diocese of Delhi, within the Church of North India, held its deacon ordination service on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 5:00 pm at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi a momentous occasion that marked the commissioning of ordinands into the role of deacons. The Ordination service was presided by Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, the Bishop of the Delhi Diocese, and was attended by many clergy and laity.

The Diocese of Delhi is known for its commitment to service, compassion, and the proclamation of the Gospel. With a strong emphasis on ministry and outreach, the diocese plays a vital role in serving the local community and advancing the values of faith, love, and justice. Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Dr. Monodeep Daniel, a discernment and preparation process was conducted before the ordination service. Selected ordinands with a profound calling and a service-oriented heart underwent meticulous training and formation. During this period, they cultivated the necessary theological understanding, spiritual formation, and practical skills essential for effective ministry as deacons.

The deacons’ ordination service was a solemn occasion that brought together the clergy, family, friends, and members of the local congregation. The service featured liturgical elements such as prayers, hymns, scripture readings, and the recitation of creeds, affirming the candidates' commitment to the faith and their willingness to serve as deacons. Bishop Swarup delivered a homily, focusing on the biblical understanding of deacon ministry, the servant-leadership model, and the significance of service within the context of the local church and wider community. The ordinands were charged with the responsibility of embodying the qualities of humility, compassion, and selflessness in their ministry. The central moment of the service was the ordination ritual, where the candidates knelt before the bishop. Through the laying on of hands and prayer, the bishop conferred upon five ordinands, namely Deacon Ashoo Masih, Deacon Ajeet Takri, Deacon Goldwin William, Deacon Narendra Kumar, and Deacon Vikas Mall, the authority and blessing to serve as deacons. The Revd Dr Suresh Kumar put on stoles on the newly ordained deacons indicating their readiness to serve. A bible was also presented to them as a token of the authority which they received as deacons to serve all people and to preach the word of God. Following the ordination, the newly ordained deacons were vested in liturgical vestments, signifying their new role within the Church. The stole, a distinctive symbol of diaconal ministry, was worn diagonally across the chest.

The deacon ordination service in the Diocese of Delhi is a significant event that represents the commitment of the Church to service, ministry, and the proclamation of the Gospel. It provides a platform for individuals to respond to their calling and dedicate themselves to acts of compassion, care, and outreach. The Diocese of Delhi recognizes the important role of deacons in supporting the clergy, facilitating worship, and engaging in various forms of service, thereby embodying the love of Christ in the world. As deacons, they play a vital role in assisting the clergy, facilitating worship, and engaging in social and humanitarian initiatives. The Diocese of Delhi is committed to nurturing and empowering its deacons, recognising them as vital instruments of God's love and grace in the world.