In an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual joy, on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the ordination to the priesthood of Deacon Stephen Edwards, originally from Wales, was celebrated.
The sacrament took place at the Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle and the Dormition of the Theotokos in Birmingham, presided over by Bishop Maximos of Melitene, with the blessing and canonical permission of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
Concelebrating were the Cathedral’s Proistamenos, Archimandrite Christodoulos Kokliotis, Hieromonk Philotheos from the Holy Monastery of St. Gregory on Mount Athos, as well as priests from Wales and the wider Birmingham area.
In his homily, the Bishop offered paternal counsel to the newly ordained priest, outlining the high responsibilities of the priestly ministry and providing spiritual guidance for his future path. He emphasized the need for unceasing prayer, humility, and sacrificial love for the flock as the cornerstones of priestly life.
Following the ordination, the new Presbyter, together with his spiritual father, Fr. Tim Pearce from the Lampeter community in North Wales, expressed their profound gratitude to Bishop Maximos for his frequent pastoral visits to the English-speaking communities of the region. As a sign of honor and respect, they presented him with an icon of the local Saint Cybi Felyn.
Fr. Stephen will serve in Wales, where Orthodox Christianity is experiencing remarkable growth, as many young Welsh people, drawn to the ancestral tradition, are entering the embrace of the Orthodox Church.
After the sacred liturgy and ordination, the community of St. Andrew hosted a festive meal for the entire congregation in the Cathedral hall.
Photos: Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain
