On Saturday, 22 February 2025, His Eminence, Archbishop Silouan, arrived at All Saints Parish in Lincoln at 5:00 p.m., where he was received by Archimandrite Philip Hall and Brother Matthew Franklin, who was to be ordained as a deacon during the Divine Liturgy the following day.
The service of Vespers commenced immediately upon his arrival. Following the service, Archbishop Silouan addressed the parishioners on the importance of deepening their prayer life. He outlined three key steps:
1. Understanding prayer as a conversation with God – Encouraging the faithful to approach prayer not as a mere obligation but as an intimate dialogue with their Creator.
2. Isolating oneself from distractions – Emphasising the need to withdraw from external disturbances in order to pray with greater focus and devotion.
3. Purifying the soul through confession – Highlighting that sin burdens the soul and clouds prayer, and that regular confession allows one to pray with greater clarity and sincerity.
On Sunday, 23 February, during the Divine Liturgy, Father Paulinus Heggs was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite, and Brother Matthew Franklin was ordained to the diaconate, receiving the name Father Deacon Panagiotis.
Before Holy Communion, His Eminence addressed the parishioners with a brief sermon. He began by warmly welcoming The Venerable Gavin Kirk, Anglican Archdeacon of Lincoln, and expressing his gratitude for his presence. He then spoke to the newly ordained deacon, reminding him that to be a deacon is to be a servant of God through serving His people, emphasising the sacred responsibility of his new ministry.
Following the service, the clergy, together with the newly ordained fathers, gathered for a commemorative photograph, joined by Father Deacon Panagiotis’ family and the parishioners. To mark the occasion, the faithful of All Saints Parish prepared a meal for all, fostering a spirit of fellowship and celebration.
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