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It was St. Andrew’s Day, November 30, 1976, when six women who at the time were deacons were ordained priests in the Anglican Church of Canada. In the diocese of New Westminster, the Reverends Elspeth Alley, Virginia Briant and Michael Deck were ordained priests by the Most Reverend David Somerville at Christ Church Cathedral.

To mark the 45th anniversary, the Reverend Canon Judy Rois, formerly Executive Director of the Anglican Foundation of Canada was invited to preach at the 10:30 Choral Eucharist, Advent I, November 28 at the Cathedral. Canon Rois also facilitated a discussion and information session later that afternoon. Ordained women of the diocese were invited to attend, vest and process.

Prayer in the narthex following the Advent 1 Choral Eucharist. Left to right: Rev Canon Dr Judy Rois (guest preacher to mark the 45th Anniversary of the Ordination of women), Deacon, the Reverend Christine Magrega, Cathedral Rector, the Very Reverend Christopher Pappas, the Reverend Melanie Calabrigo, Liturgical Assistant, Dana Osborne, the Reverend Miranda Sutherland, Liturgical Assistant, Vincent Carey, the Reverend Clare Morgan and Deacon, the Reverend Leah Skuro.

Many thanks to Jane Dittrich for these photos and cutlines.

 Dean Christopher Pappas cuts and serves cake following worship.  

IMAGES (Top Scroll)

  • A view up to the chancel from the position of the celebratory cake at the narthex entrance