Church adapts ordination services for the Covid era
Some 17 new vicars have been ordained in the Bath and Wells diocese this year reflecting the growth of the Church in Somerset.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, this year instead of one large service with all their friends and family around them, the new vicars were ordained in four separate services in the Lady Chapel of Wells Cathedral.
The restrictions, also meant the numbers witnessing the service in person were limited but each service was filmed and made available on the Bath and Wells diocese Facebook page immediately afterwards for friends, family and supporters.
Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton, said: “It was really strange doing this in such a small group of people, but it was no less awesome and magnificent.”
Among the new reverends were: Andrew Avramenko to serve in the Benefice of Charlcombe with Bath St Stephen; Chris Absolon to serve in the Benefice of Combe Down, Monkton Combe & South Stoke; Julian Davies to serve in Benefice of Timsbury with Priston, Camerton and Dunkerton; Shaula Reilly to serve in the Benefice of Saltford with Corston and Newton St Loe; Jo Robinson to serve in Hardington Vale Benefice.