St Mark's Versailles welcomes its new priest, the Revd Ajit John

St Mark's Versailles
Many people are surprised to learn that the Church of England Diocese in Europe has 7 congregations in Greater Paris. There are two in the centre of the French capital, St George's and St Michael's. 5 others are located in towns on the periphery, St Peter's Chantilly, St Luke's Fontainebleau, Holy Trinity Maisons-Laffitte and St Mark's Versailles with St Paul's, Gif sur Yvette.

It is to this last 2-point parish, Versailles with Gif sur Yvette, that a new Chaplain was licensed on Saturday 2 April: the Revd Ajit John. Ajit has moved into this diocese from the Diocese of Toronto, in the Anglican Church of Canada. The Archdeacon of France, the Venerable Ian Naylor, presided at the licensing service in St Mark's.

This service at the start of a new ministry is a moving moment when the new priest receives, generally through the Archdeacon, his or her authorisation from the Bishop and accepts the solemn responsibilities to conduct divine service, celebrate the sacraments, preside at the occasional offices, preach, teach and hold the cure of souls (i.e. provide pastoral care).

The Revd Ajit John receives the licence for his ministry from the Archdeacon of France
Ajit will be working with his assistant priest in the parish, the Revd Elaine Labourel, who is also our Diocesan Director of Reader Ministry.

We welcome Ajit, his wife Margaret, and their daughter Gabrielle to this diocese and to St Mark's.



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