Digital Archdeacon

Digital Archdeacon Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Digital Archdeacon, Digital creator, Enugu.

This platform is dedicated to documentaries, interviews, stories, teachings, and news about the ANGLICAN CHURCH, designed to inspire, educate, and deepen your understanding.

A Roman Catholic Mass at Canterbury Cathedral? Here's Why.Many were surprised, and some even puzzled, to learn that a Ro...
16/07/2025

A Roman Catholic Mass at Canterbury Cathedral? Here's Why.

Many were surprised, and some even puzzled, to learn that a Roman Catholic Mass was recently celebrated in Canterbury Cathedral, the historic seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the mother church of the Anglican Communion. But this event carries deep historical and ecumenical significance.

The Mass was held in commemoration of Saint Thomas Becket, the 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in the Cathedral in 1170. Becket is a shared figure of reverence in both Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism, remembered for his courageous stand for the Church's integrity and his martyrdom at the hands of King Henry II's knights.

Three years after his death, in 1173, Pope Alexander III canonised Thomas Becket as a saint, and for centuries, pilgrims from across Europe journeyed to Canterbury to honour his shrine. This all happened long before the Church of England broke communion with Rome during the 16th-century Reformation.

Though the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church have been separate since the Reformation, they share a common heritage that includes saints like Becket. Hosting the Mass at Canterbury was not about blurring theological distinctions, but about honouring a moment of shared history, fostering Christian unity, and recognising the continuing journey of healing and dialogue between the two Churches.

This event was made possible by the spirit of ecumenism, the effort among Christians of different traditions to build bridges of understanding, mutual respect, and even cooperation where possible. It is a reminder that while we may worship in different ways, we often draw inspiration from the same faithful witnesses.

May the legacy of Thomas Becket continue to inspire all Christians to stand boldly for truth, justice, and the Gospel.





15/07/2025

Let Me Explain What Bishop Enoch Atuboyedia of Okirika Diocese Said During the Preferments He Made.

13/07/2025

Our Archdeaconry Women's Conference Highlights...

The 2025 Archdeaconry Women's Conference of our Archdeaconry ended in praise. My wife delivered her Vice-presidential Ad...
12/07/2025

The 2025 Archdeaconry Women's Conference of our Archdeaconry ended in praise. My wife delivered her Vice-presidential Address today.

I thank God for His mercy and grace. I thank all our partners for partnering with us.

The Women's Ministry in the Anglican Church, especially Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is a very important and strategic ministry. The women are really doing wonderful and great things. Check every diocese, the women are doing amazingly well.

God bless our women for always standing for Jesus and for the work of the gospel.

11/07/2025

Here's Why Bishops Are Translated and Not Transferred.

11/07/2025

The Differences Between 39 Articles of Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Episcopal Consultation vs Episcopal Synod.The Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) are currently in an ...
09/07/2025

Episcopal Consultation vs Episcopal Synod.

The Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) are currently in an Episcopal Consultation at the Diocese of Nike.

What's the difference between Episcopal Consultation and Episcopal Synod?

In the ecclesiastical structure of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), gatherings of bishops serve different purposes depending on the nature and objectives of the meeting. Two such significant gatherings are the Episcopal Consultation and the Episcopal Synod.

Although both involve the bishops of the church, their goals, format, and outcomes are quite distinct.

EPISCOPAL CONSULTATION:
An Episcopal Consultation is a specially convened meeting or retreat of the bishops of the Church, typically called to address specific and pressing issues affecting the life, mission, and direction of the Church. Unlike regular synodical meetings, an Episcopal Consultation is more reflective in nature, often held in a retreat-like atmosphere to foster prayer, dialogue, and discernment.

The primary aim of an Episcopal Consultation is to allow bishops the space and time to:

Reflect on spiritual, theological, moral, and pastoral challenges facing the Church.

Deliberate on critical concerns that may not yet require synodical decisions but need episcopal insight and unity.

Strengthen episcopal fellowship and mutual understanding among the bishops.

Engage in prayerful consideration of the mind of God regarding the future of the Church, often without the pressure of voting or legislative proceedings.

Thus, an Episcopal Consultation provides a forum for deep conversations, spiritual renewal, and consensus-building.

EPISCOPAL SYNOD:
On the other hand, an Episcopal Synod is a formal and constitutionally mandated assembly of bishops, often called to handle administrative, legislative, and electoral matters within the Church. It is more structured and procedural, with defined agendas and binding decisions.

The Episcopal Synod is responsible for:

Making high-level decisions affecting the governance and structure of the Church.

Electing bishops into vacant episcopal sees.

Approving major policies, church laws, and disciplinary measures.

Receiving and deliberating on reports from various Ecclesiastical Provinces of the Church.

Giving formal episcopal guidance to the wider Church on doctrinal and ethical matters.

In essence, while the Episcopal Synod focuses on governance, decision-making, and official functions, the Episcopal Consultation is more about reflection, unity, and strategic discernment.

Also, within or during the Episcopal Consultation, the Episcopal Synod could be held.

It's the same with the Bishops' Annual Retreat, during the retreat, Episcopal Synod could be held.

WHY IS THE LITANY CHANTED DURING ORDINATION AND CONSECRATION, BUT NOT DURING INSTALLATION OR COLLATION OF CANONS OR ARCH...
08/07/2025

WHY IS THE LITANY CHANTED DURING ORDINATION AND CONSECRATION, BUT NOT DURING INSTALLATION OR COLLATION OF CANONS OR ARCHDEACONS?

Have you ever wondered why the Litany is chanted during the ordination of deacons and priests or the consecration of bishops, but not during the installation of canons or the collation of archdeacons?

Here's why...

Ordination and Consecration are Sacraments (Church Rites).

When someone is ordained as a deacon, priest, or consecrated as a bishop, something very significant is happening. It’s not just a new job title. It’s a spiritual transformation. These are Holy Orders. The Church is setting apart the persons for a sacred task, asking the Holy Spirit to come upon them, and equipping them for life-long service in the ministry of Word and Sacrament.

Because of the spiritual weight of what’s happening, the Litany is chanted. This is a long, prayerful plea where we call on God’s mercy, pray for the ordinands, the Church, and the world. It’s a moment of deep intercession and spiritual focus, and the ordinands must lie down in humility, total surrender to God, brokenness and pleading for divine mercy.

Installation and Collation are Appointments, Not Sacraments.

Now, when someone is installed as a canon or collated as an archdeacon, it’s still important, but different. These are roles or offices within the Church’s structure. The person is already ordained. They’re simply being given a new responsibility or jurisdiction.

Because no sacrament is being conferred and no new spiritual identity is being given, the Litany isn’t chanted. Instead, there may be special prayers or declarations, but it’s not the same solemn intercessory moment as ordination.

Even when Ordination and Installation or Collation are scheduled to hold on the same day in the same service, you will discover that during the Litany, the Canons to be installed and the Archdeacons to be collated don't join the ordinands to lie down in front of the chancel.

The Litany is a very powerful and solemn prayer of the Church. I remember the day of my Diaconate and Priestly Ordinations, I cried like a baby during the Litany. Even till today, I still cry during the Litany in any Ordination Service.

May God continue to endue His ministers with His Spirit.

07/07/2025

How Do Deacons Wear Their Stoles?

UNDERSTANDING THE CHASUBLE AND THE DALMATICIn the rich tradition of liturgical vestments, the chasuble and the dalmatic ...
06/07/2025

UNDERSTANDING THE CHASUBLE AND THE DALMATIC

In the rich tradition of liturgical vestments, the chasuble and the dalmatic stand out as symbols of distinct ministerial roles in Christian worship. While often seen during the celebration of the Eucharist, many may not understand their deeper meaning, purpose, and who wears them.

Now, in a nutshell and simple explanations, let's explore the significance of these sacred garments: the chasuble worn by priests and bishops, and the dalmatic worn by deacons. We will also highlight their differences and spiritual symbolism.

A. CHASUBLE (the red garment the priest is wearing in the attached image)

Who wears it: Priests and bishops.

When: During the celebration of the Mass or Holy Communion.

Description: A large, flowing, sleeveless outer garment, usually ornate, worn over all other vestments. It typically covers the entire body and is often circular or oval in shape with an opening for the head.

Symbolism: The chasuble symbolises charity, the yoke of Christ, and the priest's role in offering the sacrifice of the Mass or Holy Eucharist.

Historical origin: Derived from the Roman "casula" (meaning "little house" or cloak), a common outer garment in ancient Rome.

B. DALMATIC (the green garment the deacon is wearing in the attached image)

Who wears it: Deacons.

When: During Mass or solemn liturgical services.

Description: A tunic-like vestment with sleeves, often with two vertical stripes (clavi) on the front and back. It is shorter and less flowing than a chasuble.

Symbolism: The dalmatic symbolises joy and service. It reflects the deacon’s role in assisting at the altar, proclaiming the Gospel, and engaging in acts of charity.

Historical origin: Named after Dalmatia (a Roman province and modern-day Croatia), where the garment originated. It became an imperial and later liturgical garment.

Now, you may ask, why do Priests and Bishops wear Chasubles, and Deacons wear Dalmatics?

1. Liturgical Hierarchy
The vestments reflect the different roles in the liturgy. The priest and bishop preside at the altar, offering the sacrifice of the Eucharist, hence, they wear the chasuble, which signifies sacrificial love and charity.

The deacon assists the celebrant, proclaims the Gospel, prepares the altar, and sometimes preaches, and his vestment, the dalmatic, reflects a ministry of service and joy.

2. Apostolic Tradition
This distinction in vestments can be traced to the early centuries of the Church, symbolising the threefold ministry: bishop, priest, deacon (1 Timothy 3).

So, when we understand the chasuble and the dalmatic, it helps us to appreciate the rich symbolism and sacred order within Christian worship. These garments are more than tradition or decoration, they visibly express the unique roles and responsibilities entrusted to priests, bishops, and deacons in the liturgy.

Any questions? 😊

Address

Enugu

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Digital Archdeacon posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category