A former evangelical pastor has been ordained as a priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Church

A significant ecclesiastical event took place in the United Kingdom: former evangelical pastor Doug Clark, who took the baptismal name Kedmon, was ordained as a presbyter. The ordination took place on July 26 during a hierarchical liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Silouan of Britain and Ireland. This was reported by the “Life of the Church” portal at .

Father Kedmon’s journey to Orthodoxy began in 2018, when he founded the evangelical congregation “Church of Hope” in Halifax. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pastor began to study the patristic heritage in depth, gradually incorporating elements of Orthodox doctrine into the life of his congregation. In 2025, following a period of mentoring under the guidance of Archpriest Gregory Khalam, 34 members of his congregation were received into the Orthodox Church through the sacraments of baptism and chrismation.

During a solemn divine service held at St. Malachy Church, Metropolitan Siluan also announced an elevation in the status of the Halifax community: it has now been officially renamed St. Hilda Parish. This underscores the community’s rapid growth, having evolved from a mission to a full-fledged parish in less than a year.

In his address to the newly ordained priest, Metropolitan Siluan emphasized that the priestly ministry is, above all, “a life of sacrifice, not a position of authority.” Father Kedmon will continue his ministry under the spiritual guidance of Archpriest Gregory Khalam; however, in accordance with the bishop’s decision, he will not yet administer the sacrament of confession until he has completed a period of additional pastoral training.