Rector’s Message
A new era at St. Olave’s will begin on Sunday, May 12, when we welcome our Assistant Curate, Alexandra Pohlod. By the time she joins us, she will be “The Reverend Alexandra Pohlod,” following her ordination to the Diaconate at St. James Cathedral this Sunday. Alexandra will be a deacon for the first several months (up to a year) of her ministry.

The ministry of deacons goes back to the New Testament. Acts describes how the 12 apostles needed more people to assist with the growing ministry of the church. Seven men were chosen – Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus – and the apostles laid their hands upon them and “ordained” them as deacons (Acts 6.1-6). In St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, he also mentions a woman named Phoebe whom he calls, in Greek, a diakonos, or deacon (Romans 16.1).

Deacons are ordained by the Bishop and they wear clerical collars. They cannot, however, celebrate Holy Communion, pronounce absolution, or give blessings. In about eight to 12 months, Alexandra will almost certainly be ordained a priest, here at St. Olave’s, after which she will be able to perform all the duties of an Anglican priest. 

Alexandra will be with our parish for two years, during which she will minster alongside us on a full-time basis. I hope you can join us for her first Sunday when we will officially welcome her to her new parish home. 

Rob+