The Orthodox communities of Loire-Atlantique and Maine-et-Loire celebrated several ordinations on Sunday, 25 May, at the Monastery of St Silouan, bearing witness to their spiritual vitality.
The Orthodox parishes of the Resurrection in Nantes and of the Annunciation in Angers experienced an exceptional moment with the simultaneous holding of several ordinations. The ceremony, presided over by Bishop Symeon and Bishop Elisey in the presence of Father Alexis and Father Emmanuel, rector of both parishes, as well as Father Martin, took place within the grounds of the Monastery of St Silouan.
Four New Ministers for Two Parishes
Deacon Symeon was ordained priest for the Nantes parish, while the altar servers Matthieu and Alberto were tonsured readers for Nantes and Angers respectively. Subdeacon Serge will soon complete this cycle of ordinations by receiving the diaconate on 15 June, likewise in the service of the Nantes community.
These ordinations are part of a dynamic of growth among the local Orthodox communities. The parish of Angers, established several years ago, and that of Nantes, more recent, with its website launched in 2024, bear witness to a renewal of Orthodoxy in the West of France.
A Celebration Steeped in Tradition
In accordance with Orthodox tradition, the assembly expressed its approval by acclaiming “Axios!” (“He is worthy!”) at the presbyteral ordination of Father Symeon. This active participation of the faithful illustrates the communal character of these appointments, in which the whole parish recognizes the vocation of the candidates.
The choice of the Monastery of St Silouan for these celebrations underscores the importance attached to these ordinations, which mark a significant stage in the pastoral development of the two communities. These appointments strengthen the spiritual care of the Orthodox faithful of the region and bear witness to the vitality of these parishes.
The diaconal ordination planned for June will complete this renewal of the pastoral teams, thus consolidating the Orthodox religious organization in this part of France.
Photos: Patrick L.