Diocese of York / News & events / News

On Saturday 25th June, the Archbishop of York ordained 11 new deacons to serve in our diocese.

Archbishop Stephen said, " A deacon is a herald of the gospel and a servant of those they meet and whose lives they touch." Full information about the deacons and the service can be found here.

Two of the new deacons will be working in chaplaincy settings alongside their parish ministry. The Revd Richard Nihill, will serve as Assistant Curate in the Bishopthorpe Road Parishes, as well as remaining a teacher and chaplain, participating in God's continuing work at Archbishop Holgate's Church of England Academy, York.

Reflecting on his calling, Richard said, "throughout this time I was open to the Holy Spirit prompting that God may want me to be a parish priest. However I originally believed, and still do at the end of my training, that my calling is to the incarnational role of being an ordained chaplain."

The Revd Darius Traves will serve as Assistant Curate at Bridlington Christ Church with Bessingby and Ulrome, and will also work in York St John University Chaplaincy.

Darius shared that "I now feel humble that even though I have a lot of challenges on a daily basis God has still called me to ordained ministry. My hope is that I am going to be able to help people tell their stories and walk with them on their journey."

The preacher was the Revd Vanessa Conant, Team Rector at St Mary's, Walthamstow. Reminding the new deacons that "a good beginning is half the work", Vanessa encouraged the candidates at the start of their ministries.

The service was livestreamed by York Minster - watch it here.

Photos of the service can be found here.