On Saturday, 15 August 2026, the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St Luke in Glasgow. During the Divine Liturgy, Daniel Nicholls was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.
Concelebrating with Bishop Raphael were the Very Revd Archimandrite Mark Mitchell, Parish Priest of the Cathedral, and the Revd Presbyter Janis Stumbris.
A large congregation from Glasgow and the surrounding area gathered for the occasion, together with the family and friends of the ordinand, to witness the ordination and share in the joy of the Cathedral community.
Before the ordination, Daniel reflected with gratitude upon the path that had brought him to this moment. He spoke of the many blessings that had shaped his life, including family, education, marriage and children, as well as the community of St Luke’s Cathedral, which had welcomed and supported Daniel throughout the journey into the Orthodox Church. Recalling the different stages of the Christian journey, Daniel described how the life and intercessions of St Columba had eventually led him to Orthodoxy. At the Cathedral of St Luke, Daniel came to experience the Church as the place of a true encounter with Christ.
Daniel expressed gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain for paternal love, prayers and trust; to Bishop Raphael for guidance and encouragement; and to Archimandrite Mark for constant support and example. Gratitude was also extended to his parents, godparents and the Cathedral community, and especially to his wife, Rachel, and their children, John and Stephen. Looking towards the ministry ahead, Daniel spoke of the Diaconate as a call to take up the cross of service. He asked the faithful for prayers so that the new ministry might be fulfilled with faithfulness and with a readiness to recognise Christ in every person.
Responding to Daniel, Bishop Raphael gave thanks to God that the ordinand had been found worthy to stand before the Holy Altar, while recognising the deep humility with which Daniel approached the sacrament of ordination. His Grace encouraged the new Deacon to remain firmly rooted in humility and prayer throughout the ministry entrusted by the Church. Bishop Raphael also urged Deacon Daniel to love every person without distinction. His Grace observed that many people, disillusioned by contemporary society, are turning towards the Orthodox Church in search of meaning and spiritual direction. This reality, Bishop Raphael noted, places a particular responsibility upon the clergy to respond with readiness, attentiveness and love.
His Grace reminded Deacon Daniel that the new ministry would be exercised within the historic Cathedral parish and wherever else the Church might call upon him to serve. Bishop Raphael also expressed gratitude to the parents of Deacon Daniel, the spouse of Deacon Daniel, Rachel, and to Archimandrite Mark, acknowledging the support offered throughout the journey leading to ordination.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy, the family of Deacon Daniel and the faithful shared in the joy of the newly ordained cleric and offered prayers and good wishes for a fruitful ministry in the service of Christ and the Church.
Photo credit: Moody Lens
