AN UNUSUAL CONSECRATION

Posted on 31 May 2010
Stephen celebrated the thirty-second anniversary of his ordination in a most unusual way!

Ordained at Holland Road Baptist Church, Hove on Pentecost Sunday 1978, he was reconsecrated, while on his annual retreat at the Orthodox La Manastere de la Sainte Presence near St Dolay, Brittany at Pentecost 2010. ‘Pere’ Stephen has a long-standing interest in the spirituality of Christian orthodoxy and, over the years, has regularly visited the community and has co-operated together with members of the community in Brittany (where he addressed the national Colloquy several years ago on the life of St Mildred) and, as far afield as Glastonbury and Bradwell-on-Sea. Deep and lasting friendships and mutual respect have been engendered and the late Fr. Mikael was his spiritual director. The laying on of hands took place before a full congrgation in the Cathedral Church of La Sainte Vierge du Signe and was undertaken by Mael, Metropolitan of Dol, bishop Marc and the clergy. Bishop Marc, who suggested the idea, led the prayer of consecration using words drawn from Gregory of Narek, a tenth century Armenian theologian and teacher. Many were moved as the final benediction drawn from an ancient Celtic blessings was sung. Bishop Marc recognised the contribution that Stephen had made to developing relationships between evangelical Protestant and Orthodox believers and bore testimony to the integity of his ministry.

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