Mr John Jutaro Tsukada was ordained Deacon under Letters Dimissori by the Rt Rev Dr Robert Gillies, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney and the Rt Rev Andrew Oohata, Bishop of Tokyo, at St Ninian’s Church, Aberdeen on 19 October 2015. John is from the Diocese of Tokyo, and is on three years’ study leave for his PhD studies.
Bishop Bob presided at the Ordination service in a packed St Ninian’s Church. All three lessons were read in Japanese with the text in English on the service sheet. The sermon was given in Japanese by Fr Francisco Takahashi, Chair of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Tokyo, with concurrent translation into English.
Bishop Oohata pronounced the absolution, the words of institution and the giving of the bible, the robing and the anointing as well as the final blessing all in Japanese.
Bishop Bob commented afterwards, “To ordain John Jutaro Tsukada a Deacon in this way was truly memorable and indeed betokens the wonderful good will that permeates across the worldwide Anglican Communion. The growing and lively congregation of St Ninian’s really rose to the occasion.” Bishop Bob added, “The standing ovation that John received after he was ordained says how much he and his family have become loved in that congregation over the last two years.”
John is to be Honorary Assistant Curate at St Ninian’s Church, Aberdeen.
