Parish life
St John's newest deacons ordained
On Sunday 11 January 2026, the Feast of St John the Beloved, St John's Coptic Orthodox Church was filled with joy as a group of young servants were ordained into the diaconate. The ordinations were conducted by His Grace Bishop Daniel, who reminded the congregation that the feast of St John is a celebration of love, obedience and faithful witness: virtues at the heart of true service.
During the Divine Liturgy, seventeen young boys were ordained as deacons of the rank of Chanter, each receiving a deacon's name, and one older boy was ordained to the rank of Reader. Congratulations to them and to their families.
In the Coptic Orthodox Church, a deacon is a servant of the altar and the congregation. Deacons assist the priest during the Liturgy, lead the church in hymns and responses, read Scripture, and learn discipline, reverence and humility from a young age. Their service is not about rank, but about growing in love for God and His Church.
The ordination on St John's feast day stood as a hopeful sign for the future, as these young deacons begin their journey of faithful service within the body of Christ.
