On Monday 22nd January 2024, Deacon Jeremiah de Bùrca was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Wood Green, London. The new presbyter of the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, will serve the growing community under establishment, in Cork, Ireland. Fr Jeremiah, having been ordained the previous day to the Diaconate by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, expressed his wholehearted gratitude towards both His Eminence and His Grace Bishop Iakovos for their love and support as he begins a new journey within the Lord’s vineyard.
In his address to Fr Jeremiah, His Grace Bishop Iakovos congratulated him on his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. He emphasised the significance and responsibility of the Priesthood, noting that it was a divine calling to serve God’s people. His Grace highlighted the central role of the priest in performing sacraments, especially in the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during the Holy Liturgy.
Bishop Iakovos advised Fr Jeremiah to remain humble, seek guidance from fellow clergy, and cultivate a life of prayer and continuous learning. He stressed the importance of serving the liturgical and sacramental life of the community in Ireland and upholding the traditions of the Orthodox Church. The Bishop also acknowledged the support Father Jeremiah would receive from the Archdiocese of Thyateira in fulfilling his mission to reconnect people with the authentic Christian tradition.
The message underscored the vision of Archbishop Nikitas for the Archdiocese, focusing on liturgical and catechetical ministries as well as Christian acts of charity and philanthropy. Father Jeremiah was encouraged to embrace this vision and reach out to the people of Cork with enthusiasm and the spirit of evangelism.
Deacon Jeremiah expressed his heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Nikitas for his guidance and to His Grace Bishop Iakovos for their support and guidance, whilst also fondly remembering his late parents, who he believed would be proud. He also acknowledged the support of his family, particularly his wife. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Jeremiah described it as lengthy and full of twists and turns, but ultimately leading him swiftly to this pivotal moment. Emphasising the Christian duty to share faith graciously with others, he expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s foresight and trust in him to undertake this significant mission in Ireland.
