Congratulations to the Rev Christopher St John, who was instituted as rector of St Nicholas’, Carrickfergus, by his predecessor, the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor.
The service on Thursday January 21 was conducted under strict Covid-19 guidelines, and was live streamed on the parish Facebook page. WATCH THE SERVICE.
Describing it as a very ‘unusual’ institution service, Bishop George told his successor: “I know the people of St Nicholas’ and I know that while they are not able to be with you in person here this evening, they are very much with you in their prayers and you will be loved and supported in this place.”
The preacher was the Archdeacon of Down, the Ven Helene Steed, rector of St Mark’s, Dundela.
In a sermon recorded in her own church, Archdeacon Steed said: “It feels rather odd to introduce your new rector Chris to you in a pre-recorded sermon, preached in a different church, but life is as it is. And despite these Covid-19 restrictions, I hope and pray that this service will be special and spiritual to Chris and Andrea, and to all in the St Nicholas’ family.”
As the service neared a close, St Nicholas’ new rector thanked everyone who had worked so hard to make the service possible. “It is such a pity we weren’t able to all meet together because of the Covid restrictions, but I have been tremendously encouraged by all of the many messages have received virtually, on Facebook, and I am aware that a lot of people are watching this service,” he said.
Read more about Rev St John HERE.
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