Two new deacons were told they will have a “story for life” after being ordained during lockdown.
St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen welcomed Christopher Doig and Malachy Eze as deacons last month at a special ceremony attended by 50 invited guests to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Bishop Hugh Gilbert told the pair: “You are here, not least, because you want to be here. You’ve made a choice. You’re responding to a call and a movement of the heart.
“A deacon in lockdown: you’ll have a story for the rest of your life. But I’m glad, we’re glad, it’s happening here, the place of your future ministry.”
Mr Doig, originally from the Perth and Blairgowrie area, described the service as being “the best and the most intense day” of his life. He said: “In this gift of self to God, every ounce of my being was shaken before, during and after the ceremony.”
Mr Eze, who was born in Igboland, Nigeria, described it as an “amazing moment”.
He added: “As Bishop Hugh said in his homily that a deacon in lockdown will have a story for the rest of his life.”
