Archbishop Theophanes of Gerash ordained Dionysios (Dennis Novikov) to the diaconate on Friday, October 2, 2026, during the Divine Liturgy celebrated at Golgotha in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The ordination took place following a decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with the newly ordained deacon assigned to serve the Russian-speaking Orthodox community in Haifa.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated under the supervision of the Elder Sacristan, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, with the participation of Archimandrite Artemios, Hegumen of Haifa, priests from the Haifa region and parish, and members of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood.
Before the ordination, Archbishop Theophanes addressed the candidate, offering paternal words of spiritual guidance and encouragement as he prepared to undertake his new ministry.
Following the service, the newly ordained Deacon Dionysios, accompanied by Archbishop Theophanes, Archimandrite Artemios and members of his family, visited the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
There, he received the blessing of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and expressed his gratitude for the Patriarch’s blessing and the honor of his ordination.
Deacon Dionysios will now undertake his ministry within the Russian-speaking Orthodox community of Haifa, serving the pastoral and liturgical needs of its faithful.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
